Budapest, Hungary
Photo: Hungarian Parliament, Budapest — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
🇭🇺 Hungary

Budapest

Thermal baths, ruin bars and the Danube at sunset.

Ratings

Cost of Living
5/5
Nightlife
5/5
Weather
2/5
Travel Opportunities
5/5
Student Life
5/5
Housing
5/5
University Reputation
3/5
Overall score
4.3/5
Estimated Monthly Student Budget
€800–1,050 / month

Typical all-in cost for an Erasmus student in Budapest, including rent, food, transport and going out.

Overview

Budapest offers one of the best Erasmus experiences in Europe thanks to its combination of low cost of living, exceptional nightlife and great travel opportunities. It is a particularly attractive destination for those looking for an intense international experience without needing a large budget.

View from Gellért Hill over the Danube and Pest — Budapest, Hungary
View from Gellért Hill over the Danube and Pest
Hungarian Parliament Building across the Danube — Budapest, Hungary
Hungarian Parliament Building across the Danube

Perfect For

  • Students with a tight or mid-range budget
  • Those looking for a very active social life
  • People who want to travel frequently around Europe
  • Students interested in an intense international experience
  • Those who prioritise fun and Erasmus community

Not Ideal For

  • Students looking for warm climate
  • Those who prioritise universities of maximum international prestige
  • People who prefer quiet cities with little leisure
  • Students who want to live by the sea
  • Those who don't enjoy cold winters
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • One of the best nightlife scenes in Europe
  • Large Erasmus community
  • Ideal location for travelling
  • Relatively accessible accommodation
Cons
  • Long, cold winters
  • University prestige lower than major Western capitals
  • Local language difficult for many students
  • Fewer international professional opportunities
  • Some infrastructure can feel less modern than Western Europe

Student Vibe

Budapest has one of the most dynamic Erasmus atmospheres in Europe. Thousands of international students arrive every semester, creating a very open community that is easy to join. Student associations constantly organise parties, trips and cultural activities, making it easy to meet people from day one. For many students, Budapest represents the ideal combination of fun, affordability and international experience.

What Students Say

"Budapest is a brilliant city for Erasmus."
"I did Erasmus in Budapest and had the best time of my life."
"Budapest is perfect for Erasmus."
"The city is beautiful, vibrant and incredibly international."
"You can find every type of bar, club and activity."

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