Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Hungary Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Budapest's property market is included in our pack
If you're looking to rent or invest in Budapest, understanding the current rental market is essential.
This article covers Budapest rents in 2026, from average prices by apartment size to the neighborhoods that rent fastest.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and market conditions.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Budapest.
Insights
- Budapest rents grew around 4% year-over-year as of the first half of 2026, a notable slowdown from the 6-9% growth seen in mid-2025.
- A studio in Budapest typically rents for about 190,000 HUF per month, but District V prices run 30-40% higher than the city average.
- Properties near Metro 4 stations, especially around Kelenföld, rent within 10-15 days, much faster than the citywide average of 25 days.
- Furnished apartments in Budapest command a 15-25% rent premium, driven mainly by expats and international students.
- Short-term rental restrictions in inner Budapest districts are pushing Airbnb units into the long-term market, potentially capping rent growth in District VI and VII.
- Rent per square meter in Budapest averages around 5,800 HUF, but prime areas like Lipótváros can reach 9,000 HUF for renovated units.
- Air conditioning is a top rent-boosting amenity in Budapest, often adding 10-15% to monthly rent due to hot summers and older building stock.
- District XI (Újbuda) has emerged as a top choice for both young professionals and families, offering good transit links and green spaces.
- Peak rental demand in Budapest hits in late August and September when students and relocating professionals flood the market.
- Budapest landlords should budget 0.7-1.2% of property value annually for maintenance, with older inner-city buildings at the higher end.
What are typical rents in Budapest as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Budapest as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Budapest is approximately 190,000 HUF (around €480 or $510).
Studio rents in Budapest typically range from 140,000 HUF (€355 / $375) in outer districts to 260,000 HUF (€660 / $700) in prime central locations like District V.
The main factors causing studio rents to vary in Budapest include district location (inner Pest commands highest prices), building condition, metro proximity, and whether the unit has air conditioning or modern heating.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Budapest as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Budapest is approximately 260,000 HUF (around €660 or $700).
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Budapest rent between 180,000 HUF (€460 / $485) in affordable areas and 380,000 HUF (€970 / $1,025) in premium neighborhoods.
For 1-bedroom rentals, outer districts like District XIV (Zugló) or District III (Óbuda) tend to be most affordable, while Lipótváros in District V and Rózsadomb in District II command the highest rents.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Budapest as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Budapest is approximately 360,000 HUF (around €920 or $970).
Depending on location and condition, 2-bedroom rents in Budapest range from 260,000 HUF (€660 / $700) in outer residential areas to 520,000 HUF (€1,330 / $1,400) in central or hillside districts.
The most affordable 2-bedroom rentals in Budapest are in outer District VIII, District XIV, or parts of District III, while the most expensive are in District V (Belváros-Lipótváros), District II (Rózsadomb), and District XII (Svábhegy).
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Budapest.
What's the average rent per square meter in Budapest as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Budapest is approximately 5,800 HUF (around €15 or $16 per m² per month).
Across different Budapest neighborhoods, rent per square meter ranges from 4,500 HUF (€11.50 / $12) in outer commuter districts to 9,000 HUF (€23 / $24) in prime inner areas like District V or riverside District XIII.
Budapest commands significantly higher rents per square meter than other Hungarian cities, often 50-80% more than regional centers like Debrecen or Szeged.
Properties that push rent per square meter above average in Budapest typically feature air conditioning, modern renovation, elevator access in older buildings, or a balcony (rare in inner Pest).
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Budapest in 2026?
As of early 2026, Budapest rents have increased by approximately 4% compared to one year ago, a cooling from stronger growth earlier in 2025.
The main factors behind this moderation include tighter household budgets due to inflation, short-term rental units moving into long-term supply, and general stabilization after years of sharp increases.
This 4% year-over-year change is slower than mid-2025, when the KSH-ingatlan.com index showed Budapest rents growing at 6-9% annually, indicating a cooler entry into 2026.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Budapest in 2026?
As of early 2026, Budapest rents are projected to grow by 3-7% over the year, roughly flat to slightly positive in real (inflation-adjusted) terms.
Key factors likely to influence Budapest rent growth include government measures supporting household income, continued expat and student demand, and Hungarian inflation and credit conditions.
Neighborhoods expected to see strongest rent growth in Budapest include transit-connected District XI (Újbuda), emerging professional hubs in District XIII, and family areas of District II where demand exceeds supply.
Main uncertainties that could affect projections include changes to short-term rental regulations in inner districts, shifts in expat demand, and the pace of new apartment completions.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Hungary. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Budapest as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Budapest as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three Budapest neighborhoods with highest average rents are Lipótváros in District V (around 400,000 HUF / €1,025 / $1,080 for a 1-bedroom), Rózsadomb in District II (around 380,000 HUF / €970 / $1,025), and Svábhegy in District XII (around 370,000 HUF / €945 / $1,000).
These Budapest neighborhoods command premium rents due to prestige, proximity to embassies and international schools, low-density housing, and river or hillside views.
Typical tenants in these high-rent Budapest neighborhoods include senior expat executives, diplomats, wealthy local professionals, and families seeking quiet, upscale environments.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Budapest.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Budapest right now?
The three Budapest neighborhoods most popular with young professionals are Belső-Erzsébetváros in District VII, Terézváros in District VI (especially around Oktogon), and Ferencváros in District IX (near Corvin-negyed and Ráday utca).
Young professionals in these Budapest neighborhoods typically pay between 220,000 HUF (€560 / $595) and 320,000 HUF (€820 / $865) per month for a 1-bedroom.
What attracts young professionals to these neighborhoods is the vibrant nightlife, walkable streets with cafes and restaurants, good transit connections, and concentration of peers.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Budapest.
Where do families prefer to rent in Budapest right now?
The three Budapest neighborhoods most popular with families are Pasarét in District II, Sasad and Kelenföld in District XI, and Zugló in District XIV.
Families renting 2-3 bedroom apartments in these Budapest neighborhoods typically pay between 350,000 HUF (€895 / $945) and 550,000 HUF (€1,410 / $1,485) monthly, with District II highest and District XIV most affordable.
These Budapest neighborhoods attract families with access to parks and green spaces, quieter residential streets, good public and international schools, and larger apartments than inner Pest.
Top schools near these family-friendly Budapest neighborhoods include the American International School (District II), British International School (District XII), and well-regarded Hungarian public schools in Districts XI and XIV.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Budapest in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three Budapest areas near transit or universities that rent fastest are Kelenföld in District XI (Metro 4 hub), Corvin-negyed on the District VIII/IX border, and Nagyvárad tér in District IX (near Semmelweis University).
Properties in these high-demand Budapest areas typically stay listed for just 10-15 days, compared to the citywide average of 25 days.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit or universities in Budapest is typically 10-20%, meaning an extra 25,000-50,000 HUF (€65-130 / $70-135) monthly for a 1-bedroom.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Budapest right now?
The three Budapest neighborhoods most popular with expats are Lipótváros in District V, Újlipótváros in District XIII, and Rózsadomb/Pasarét in District II.
Expats renting in these Budapest neighborhoods typically pay between 300,000 HUF (€770 / $810) and 450,000 HUF (€1,150 / $1,215) monthly for a furnished 1-2 bedroom apartment.
What attracts expats to these Budapest neighborhoods includes English-speaking services, walkability to international offices and embassies, international schools nearby, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The expat communities most represented in these Budapest neighborhoods include Germans, British, Americans, French, EU tech workers, and embassy staff from around the world.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Budapest.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Budapest right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Budapest?
The three tenant profiles dominating the Budapest rental market are local young professionals (especially in Districts VI, VII, IX, XI, and XIII), university students (Hungarian and international), and expats on work assignments.
Local young professionals represent roughly 40-45% of Budapest renters, students account for about 25-30%, and expats make up around 15-20%, with the remainder being families and other categories.
Local young professionals typically seek 1-bedroom apartments in connected inner districts, students often share 2-3 bedroom apartments to split costs, and expats generally look for furnished units in central or upscale Buda neighborhoods.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Budapest.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Budapest?
In Budapest, roughly 60% of tenants prefer furnished rentals while 40% seek unfurnished apartments, though this varies significantly by tenant type and neighborhood.
Furnished apartments in Budapest command a rent premium of 15-25%, roughly 35,000-65,000 HUF (€90-165 / $95-175) extra monthly for a standard 1-bedroom.
Tenants preferring furnished rentals in Budapest are primarily expats on 6-18 month stays, international students, and first-time renters, while families and longer-term locals often prefer unfurnished units they can personalize.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Budapest?
The five amenities that increase rent most in Budapest are air conditioning, elevator access in older buildings, modern heating with good insulation, a balcony or terrace, and a quality fitted kitchen.
Typical rent premiums in Budapest: air conditioning adds 10-15% (20,000-40,000 HUF / €50-100 monthly), elevator 5-10%, modern heating/insulation 8-12%, balcony 5-10%, and quality kitchen 5-8%.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Budapest, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Budapest?
The five renovations with best ROI for Budapest rental properties are bathroom modernization, kitchen upgrades with durable surfaces, window replacement and insulation, adding air conditioning, and refreshing flooring.
For a typical Budapest apartment, bathroom refresh costs 400,000-800,000 HUF and boosts rent by 15,000-30,000 HUF monthly; kitchen upgrades run 500,000-1,000,000 HUF adding 10,000-25,000 HUF monthly; AC installation costs 250,000-400,000 HUF adding 20,000-35,000 HUF monthly.
Renovations with poor ROI in Budapest to avoid include luxury finishes exceeding neighborhood standards, structural changes without added space, and overly personalized designs that may not appeal broadly.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Hungary versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Budapest as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Budapest as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Budapest is approximately 4% citywide, indicating a relatively tight market.
Across different Budapest neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from around 2-3% in prime inner districts like District V and VII to 5-7% in outer areas like parts of District III or XIV.
The current 4% vacancy rate in Budapest is roughly in line with historical averages, slightly higher than the 2-3% levels seen during peak demand periods.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Budapest.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Budapest as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental properties in Budapest stay listed for an average of approximately 25 days, though this varies widely by quality and pricing.
Across different property types and neighborhoods in Budapest, days on market range from 10-15 days for well-priced units in high-demand areas to 40-60+ days for overpriced or poorly maintained properties.
The current 25-day average in Budapest is stable compared to one year ago, reflecting market balance after the post-pandemic rental surge.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Budapest?
Peak months for tenant demand in Budapest are late August through September (strongest peak) and January through February (secondary peak), tied to academic and job-change cycles.
Main factors driving these seasonal patterns include university semester starts attracting students, corporate relocations clustering around the new year, and expats arriving before school year.
Lowest tenant demand in Budapest typically occurs in November through early December and during July holiday weeks.
Buying real estate in Budapest can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Budapest as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Budapest as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Budapest landlords should expect to pay between 0 and 90,000 HUF (€0-230 / $0-245) per year in property taxes, depending on district rules and property size.
Property taxes in Budapest range from nothing (many districts impose minimal taxes on individuals) to around 900 HUF per square meter (€2.30 / $2.45) in districts with active building tax regimes like District I (Budavár).
Property taxes in Budapest are set at the district level, and each of the 23 districts establishes its own rates and exemptions, so landlords must check their specific district's schedule.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Budapest, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Budapest right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical Budapest rental property is approximately 0.8-1% of property value, which for a 50 million HUF apartment equals around 400,000-500,000 HUF (€1,025-1,280 / $1,080-1,350) per year.
Depending on property age and condition, annual maintenance costs in Budapest range from 300,000 HUF (€770 / $810) for newer buildings to 700,000+ HUF (€1,795+) for older inner-city buildings with higher common charges.
Most Budapest landlords set aside roughly 8-12% of annual rental income for maintenance, providing a buffer for repairs, appliance replacements, and building reserve funds.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Budapest right now?
In most Budapest rentals, landlords don't directly pay utilities; tenants typically cover electricity, gas/district heating, water, internet, and common charges (közös költség), though some landlords include common charges in rent.
When landlords do pay utilities in Budapest (common in furnished expat rentals), typical monthly costs are 15,000-25,000 HUF (€40-65) for common charges, 20,000-40,000 HUF (€50-100) for winter heating, and 8,000-15,000 HUF (€20-40) for electricity.
Standard practice in Budapest is for lease contracts to specify tenants pay consumption-based utilities directly to providers, while landlords may include fixed common charges in rent.
How is rental income taxed in Budapest as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Budapest is taxed under Hungary's personal income tax framework, with a standard rate of 15% on net rental income for individual landlords.
Main deductions Budapest landlords can claim include documented expenses for maintenance, repairs, insurance, property management fees, and depreciation on property and furnishings.
A common tax mistake specific to Budapest landlords is failing to properly document and deduct közös költség (common charges) and building maintenance contributions that legitimately reduce taxable income.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Budapest.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Hungary compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether in our blog articles or market analyses in our property pack about Budapest, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and don't throw out numbers at random.
For transparency, below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and how we used them.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) Housing Hub | Hungary's official statistics office, the baseline for official housing data. | We anchored the article in official statistics. We used it as the gateway to rent index releases for Budapest. |
| KSH-ingatlan.com Rent Index | Published by KSH with Hungary's largest housing portal, with clear methodology. | We quantified year-over-year rent changes and validated 2026 estimates. We used it to cross-check private listings data. |
| KSH Rent Index Methodology | Explains the hedonic regression method, making the index more trustworthy than simple averages. | We justified why the rent index is more reliable than raw listing averages. We explained our methodology in plain terms. |
| Hungarian National Bank (MNB) Housing Report | Top-tier institution for macro and housing market risk analysis in Hungary. | We used it for macro context on credit conditions and affordability. We shaped our 2026 outlook section with real data. |
| Eurostat House Prices and Rents | EU's official statistics body, great for cross-country comparability. | We benchmarked Budapest rent trends against Europe. We triangulated with Hungary's own indices. |
| Eurostat Follow-up Rents Update | Same official Eurostat pipeline, later data update. | We confirmed the broader EU rent trend going into 2026. We checked whether Budapest softness is local or general. |
| ECB Data Portal HICP Rentals | Primary source for harmonized inflation series across the eurozone. | We explained rent inflation in official consumer inflation frameworks. We connected index-based rent changes with price pressures. |
| Duna House Barometer | Major listed real estate brokerage publishing regular market monitoring reports. | We used it as a private-sector cross-check for typical monthly rent levels. We treated it as complementary to KSH. |
| Budapest Business Journal | Long-running business outlet that clearly attributes claims to Duna House via MTI. | We triangulated average rent levels in Budapest with clear attribution. We cross-checked with KSH index direction. |
| ingatlan.com Budapest Listings | Hungary's biggest housing portal, directly partnered with KSH on the rent index. | We grounded neighborhood reality with actual listings and asking prices. We supported days-on-market and fast-renting area estimates. |
| Hungarian Tax Authority (NAV) | Primary official authority on Hungarian personal taxation and compliance. | We anchored the rental income tax section in official guidance. We added PwC for interpretation clarity. |
| PwC Tax Summaries Hungary | Top global professional services firm useful for explaining how tax rules apply in practice. | We translated official tax language into landlord-friendly takeaways. We reduced single-source misinterpretation risk. |
| Budapest District I (Budavár) Tax Page | Official district municipality page showing real, current local property tax rates. | We used it as a concrete example that property taxes vary by district. We illustrated budgeting for landlords in prime areas. |
| KSH Monitor Energy | KSH product explicitly citing energy regulator (MEKH) as the data source. | We grounded utility cost discussion in official context. We explained why utilities matter for furnished vs unfurnished rents. |
| Reuters Hungary Policy Coverage | Top-tier wire service directly attributing forecasts to the Hungarian central bank. | We supported 2026 macro assumptions about inflation and demand affecting rent growth. We avoided hand-wavy forecasting. |
| Reuters Short-term Rental Coverage | Reuters covering a topic that materially affects long-term rental supply in central Budapest. | We explained why inner-district rents can soften if Airbnb units shift to long-term. We tailored neighborhood analysis to Budapest STR dynamics. |
| KSH Census 2022 | Census provides official baseline data on Hungary's housing stock and occupancy patterns. | We understood broader context of unoccupied dwellings in Budapest. We differentiated census vacancy from rental market vacancy. |
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