Budapest on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Budapest, Hungary costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's HUF rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $22 dorm | $45 ($90 room) | $140 ($280 room) |
| Food & drink | $20 | $40 | $90 |
| Local transport | $6 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities & sights | $8 | $25 | $70 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Budapest
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $168 | $720 | $1,980 |
| 5 days | $280 | $1,200 | $3,300 |
| 7 days | $392 | $1,680 | $4,620 |
| 14 days | $784 | $3,360 | $9,240 |
Book for less
Flights to Budapest
- From Istanbul
- From Lisbon
- From Barcelona
- From Rome
- From Paris
- From London
- From Amsterdam
- From Prague
- From Athens
- From anywhere else
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October. December has Christmas markets.
Money-saving tips
- Buy a 24-hour or 72-hour transit pass; trams 2 and 4/6 are great for sightseeing.
- Eat at local étkezde canteens and the Central Market Hall's upper floor.
- Thermal baths are cheaper on weekday mornings.
Free things to do
- Walk along the Danube Promenade to the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.
- Climb Gellért Hill for the view.
- Explore the courtyards of the Jewish Quarter and its ruin bars.
Compare Budapest with
- Budapest vs Istanbul
- Budapest vs Lisbon
- Budapest vs Barcelona
- Budapest vs Rome
- Budapest vs Paris
- Budapest vs London
Questions
How much does a day in Budapest cost?
As a rough guide: about $56 per day for a backpacker, $120 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $330 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Budapest?
For one backpacker about $280; for two people mid-range about $1,200 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Budapest?
April to June and September to October. December has Christmas markets.
What currency is used in Budapest?
HUF. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate