Hungary offers a high quality of life for both locals and expats. With its affordable cost of living, friendly people, and vibrant cities, Hungary has become a popular destination for those seeking a new home. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best towns and cities to live in Hungary, considering factors such as cost of living, quality of life, and cultural attractions.

Budapest: The Heart of Hungary

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. The city is divided into two parts: Buda and Pest, connected by bridges across the Danube River. Buda is known for its historic hills and castles, while Pest is a modern city with a thriving business district and a lively nightlife.

• Pros: Beautiful architecture, rich history, vibrant culture, excellent public transportation, and a wide range of amenities.
• Cons: High cost of living compared to other Hungarian cities, traffic congestion, and can be crowded during peak tourist season.

Pécs: A UNESCO World Heritage City

Pécs, located in southwestern Hungary, is a charming city with a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its early Christian basilica and its Ottoman Turkish architecture. Pécs is known for its friendly locals, affordable cost of living, and excellent quality of life.

• Pros: Affordable cost of living, friendly locals, beautiful architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Cons: Smaller city with limited job opportunities and fewer amenities compared to Budapest.

Szeged: A Sunny City on the Tisza River

Szeged, located in southeastern Hungary, is a sunny city situated on the Tisza River. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and affordable cost of living. Szeged is a popular destination for students and young professionals due to its lively atmosphere and numerous universities.

• Pros: Affordable cost of living, vibrant cultural scene, beautiful architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Cons: Smaller city with limited job opportunities compared to Budapest.

Debrecen: The Calvinist Capital of Hungary

Debrecen, located in eastern Hungary, is the second-largest city in the country. The city is known for its rich Calvinist heritage, beautiful parks, and affordable cost of living. Debrecen is a popular destination for students and families due to its peaceful atmosphere and numerous universities.

• Pros: Affordable cost of living, peaceful atmosphere, beautiful parks, and a rich cultural heritage.
• Cons: Smaller city with limited job opportunities compared to Budapest.

Győr: A Historic City on the Danube

Győr, located in western Hungary, is a historic city situated on the Danube River. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, including its Baroque cathedral and medieval castle. Győr is a popular destination for families and retirees due to its peaceful atmosphere and affordable cost of living.

• Pros: Affordable cost of living, beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and a family-friendly environment.
• Cons: Smaller city with limited job opportunities compared to Budapest.

Kecskemét: The “Garden City” of Hungary

Kecskemét, located in southern Hungary, is known as the “Garden City” due to its many parks and gardens. The city is also famous for its Tokaj wine, which is produced in the nearby region. Kecskemét is a popular destination for families and retirees due to its peaceful atmosphere and affordable cost of living.

• Pros: Affordable cost of living, peaceful atmosphere, beautiful parks, and delicious food.
• Cons: Smaller city with limited job opportunities compared to Budapest.

Veszprém: A Hilltop City with a Castle

Veszprém, located in western Hungary, is a hilltop city with a historic castle. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and affordable cost of living. Veszprém is a popular destination for families and retirees due to its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly environment.

• Pros: Affordable cost of living, beautiful architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and a family-friendly environment.
• Cons: Smaller city with limited job opportunities compared to Budapest.

Miskolc: A City with a Thermal Bath

Miskolc, located in northern Hungary, is a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. The city is known for its thermal baths, which are popular with locals and tourists alike. Miskolc is a popular destination for families and retirees due to its affordable cost of living and peaceful atmosphere.

• Pros: Affordable cost of living, beautiful scenery, thermal baths, and a vibrant cultural scene.
• Cons: Smaller city with limited job opportunities compared to Budapest.

Eger: A Wine Region with a Castle

Eger, located in northern Hungary, is a historic city known for its wine region and its castle. The city is famous for its Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) wine, which is produced in the surrounding vineyards. Eger is a popular destination for wine lovers and history buffs.

• Pros: Beautiful scenery, delicious wine, historic castle, and a vibrant cultural scene.
• Cons: Smaller city with limited job opportunities compared to Budapest.

Sopron: A Border Town with Austrian Influence

Sopron, located on the border with Austria, is a charming city with a strong Austrian influence. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, historic buildings, and affordable cost of living. Sopron is a popular destination for retirees and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

• Pros: Affordable cost of living, beautiful architecture, historic buildings, and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Cons: Smaller city with limited job opportunities compared to Budapest.

Choosing the Right City for You

When choosing a city to live in Hungary, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Factors such as cost of living, quality of life, cultural attractions, and job opportunities should all be taken into account. If you’re looking for a bustling metropolis with a vibrant cultural scene, Budapest is a great choice. If you prefer a smaller city with a more relaxed atmosphere, Pécs, Szeged, or Debrecen may be more suitable. For those seeking a peaceful lifestyle in a beautiful setting, Győr, Kecskemét, or Veszprém are excellent options. Ultimately, the best city to live in Hungary will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

Settling in Hungary with a Residency by Investment Visa

Hungary offers a residency by investment visa program that allows foreign investors to obtain a residency permit in exchange for making a significant investment in the country. This program is a popular option for those seeking to relocate to Hungary and enjoy the benefits of living in the European Union.

To qualify for the residency by investment visa, you must make a qualifying investment in Hungary. This can be done through various options, such as:

• Purchasing real estate: You can purchase a property in Hungary with a minimum value of €300,000.
• Investing in government bonds: You can invest in Hungarian government bonds with a minimum value of €300,000.
• Investing in a Hungarian company: You can invest in a Hungarian company with a minimum value of €500,000.

Once you have made a qualifying investment, you can apply for a residency permit. The process typically takes a few months, and you will need to provide documentation of your investment and other required information.

After obtaining a residency permit, you can live and work in Hungary. You may also be eligible to apply for Hungarian citizenship after five years of residency.