Cost of Living: Hungary vs Japan

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Hungary and Japan.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Hungary is 18.6% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 54.3% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $81 in Hungary for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 47.3%

Hungary is 47.3% cheaper

Markets 44.1%

Hungary is 44.1% cheaper

Property Prices 38.4%

Hungary is 38.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 18.6%

Hungary is 18.6% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +54.3%
  • Transportation +38.6%
  • Restaurants +30.7%

Is Hungary cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Hungary is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Hungary are 18.6% lower than in Japan.

Where Hungary is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 47.3% cheaper
  • Markets 44.1% cheaper
  • Property Prices 38.4% cheaper

Where Hungary is more expensive:

  • Other Expenses 54.3% more expensive
  • Transportation 38.6% more expensive
  • Restaurants 30.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Hungary: 11.28 $ Japan: 7.01 $
60.9% more expensive in Hungary

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Hungary: 560.17 $ Japan: 624.64 $
10.3% cheaper in Hungary

Monthly public transport pass

Hungary: 25.38 $ Japan: 58.97 $
57.0% cheaper in Hungary

1 liter of milk

Hungary: 1.10 $ Japan: 1.56 $
29.5% cheaper in Hungary

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Hungary is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 18.6% on living expenses by choosing Hungary over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

18.6%

Hungary is 18.6% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

30.7%

Hungary is 30.7% more expensive than Japan in this category

Markets

44.1%

Hungary is 44.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

54.3%

Hungary is 54.3% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

38.6%

Hungary is 38.6% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

19.5%

Hungary is 19.5% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

26.6%

Hungary is 26.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

13.2%

Hungary is 13.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

21.4%

Hungary is 21.4% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

26.1%

Hungary is 26.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

15.8%

Hungary is 15.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Property Prices

38.4%

Hungary is 38.4% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

47.3%

Hungary is 47.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Hungary Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 11.28 $ 7.01 $ 60.9%
Hungary is 60.9% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 50.75 $ 35.03 $ 44.9%
Hungary is 44.9% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 8.46 $ 5.61 $ 50.8%
Hungary is 50.8% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 2.31 $ 3.36 $ 31.2%
Hungary is 31.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.52 $ 1.12 $ 35.7%
Hungary is 35.7% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.13 $ 0.82 $ 37.8%
Hungary is 37.8% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.53 $ 0.94 $ 43.6%
Hungary is 43.6% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.46 $ 2.32 $ 6.0%
Hungary is 6.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.73 $ 8.42 $ 67.6%
Hungary is 67.6% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 18.45 $ 11.20 $ 64.7%
Hungary is 64.7% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.13 $ 2.04 $ 4.4%
Hungary is 4.4% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.10 $ 1.56 $ 29.5%
Hungary is 29.5% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.47 $ 1.59 $ 7.5%
Hungary is 7.5% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.93 $ 4.51 $ 57.2%
Hungary is 57.2% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.80 $ 2.24 $ 25.0%
Hungary is 25.0% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.38 $ 12.14 $ 22.7%
Hungary is 22.7% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 5.82 $ 6.92 $ 15.9%
Hungary is 15.9% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 12.22 $ 17.18 $ 28.9%
Hungary is 28.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 1.66 $ 5.37 $ 69.1%
Hungary is 69.1% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.85 $ 2.62 $ 29.4%
Hungary is 29.4% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.97 $ 4.78 $ 58.8%
Hungary is 58.8% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.13 $ 4.84 $ 35.3%
Hungary is 35.3% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.11 $ 2.85 $ 61.1%
Hungary is 61.1% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.23 $ 2.65 $ 53.6%
Hungary is 53.6% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.40 $ 1.39 $ 0.7%
Hungary is 0.7% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 25.38 $ 58.97 $ 57.0%
Hungary is 57.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 6.48 $ 4.20 $ 54.3%
Hungary is 54.3% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.27 $ 1.54 $ 17.5%
Hungary is 17.5% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 3.10 $ 4.20 $ 26.2%
Hungary is 26.2% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.24 $ 3.15 $ 60.6%
Hungary is 60.6% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 18.61 $ 23.82 $ 21.9%
Hungary is 21.9% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.72 $ 1.22 $ 41.0%
Hungary is 41.0% more expensive
New Economy Car 27,778.93 $ 23,415.29 $ 18.6%
Hungary is 18.6% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 29,576.88 $ 17,953.06 $ 64.7%
Hungary is 64.7% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 144.08 $ 178.92 $ 19.5%
Hungary is 19.5% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 26.11 $ 27.25 $ 4.2%
Hungary is 4.2% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 20.05 $ 35.66 $ 43.8%
Hungary is 43.8% cheaper
Gym Membership 51.46 $ 60.05 $ 14.3%
Hungary is 14.3% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 17.36 $ 15.69 $ 10.6%
Hungary is 10.6% more expensive
Movie Ticket 8.46 $ 13.31 $ 36.4%
Hungary is 36.4% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 381.50 $ 348.57 $ 9.4%
Hungary is 9.4% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 10,523.03 $ 13,519.03 $ 22.2%
Hungary is 22.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 77.74 $ 49.02 $ 58.6%
Hungary is 58.6% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 36.02 $ 32.77 $ 9.9%
Hungary is 9.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 87.10 $ 63.16 $ 37.9%
Hungary is 37.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 92.67 $ 87.75 $ 5.6%
Hungary is 5.6% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 560.17 $ 624.64 $ 10.3%
Hungary is 10.3% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 444.19 $ 424.63 $ 4.6%
Hungary is 4.6% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 967.31 $ 1,366.33 $ 29.2%
Hungary is 29.2% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 758.23 $ 825.90 $ 8.2%
Hungary is 8.2% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,574.28 $ 6,447.80 $ 44.6%
Hungary is 44.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,586.60 $ 3,555.73 $ 27.3%
Hungary is 27.3% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 1,141.77 $ 2,177.14 $ 47.6%
Hungary is 47.6% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 7.37 1.82 304.9%
Hungary is 304.9% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in Hungary to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Hungary and Japan goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Hungary vs Japan

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Hungary

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Japan

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Hungary Cost of living in Japan

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