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Pros and Cons of Living in Hungary | Expat Exchange
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Liberty Bridge in Budapest

Pros and Cons of Living in Hungary

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Oct 19, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Hungary include its rich cultural heritage, its vibrant cities, its affordable cost of living, and its excellent healthcare system. On the other hand, the cons of living in Hungary include its cold winters, its lack of job opportunities, and its limited public transportation options.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

What are the pros and cons of living in Hungary?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Hungary responded:

"The location is SAFE !! Very safe. I never felt this safe in UK. People very friendly and polite. You could walk home alone in the middle of the night without fear," explained one expat living in Budapest.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Hungary, as well as the country's rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities. They also enjoy the friendly locals, the delicious food, and the easy access to outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and bureaucracy challenging, as well as the lack of job opportunities. Additionally, the cold winters can be a deterrent for some," said one expat in living in Hungary.

What do expats in Hungary appreciate most about the local culture?

"The people here have strong family values and very high food quality. As mentioned they patiently line up in cues and are generally very polite and warm. I have not experienced any anti-foreigner sentiment at all. I notice that most workers typically do a good job without requiring heavy supervision," remarked one in Balatonfured.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Hungary often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the Hungarian bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate, as the paperwork and processes can be complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, the Hungarian culture is quite different from many other countries, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the local customs and traditions. Finally, the cost of living in Hungary can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," explained one expat.

"For me the Hungarian language is the most difficult and challenging aspect of living in Hungary. English is widely spoken and understood in most big cities, but there can still be issues with basic communication. Even though I have lived here for a while (I do love it), and I am trying to learn the language (nagyon nehéz - very hard), I often feel a bit lost, especially when trying to communicate with a non-English speaker or trying to read a sign or listen to an announcement when it is only offered in Hungarian. I will keep trying, but that is my biggest challenge," said one person in Hungary.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Liberty Bridge in Budapest

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