As is the case with most Eastern European countries, accommodation in Hungary is relatively affordable compared to Central and Western Europe. However, prices have risen significantly over the past few years due to a combination of significant inflation and across-the-board price increases in the housing market. Being home to so many students, both locals and expats, Hungary offers many accommodation options, including private dormitories and shared flats. In 2026, the market is very competitive, leaving tenants with little room to negotiate rates.
Types of accommodation available in Hungary
Hungary offers a wide range of possible accommodation options for expats, with a healthy selection of rentals available in both urban and rural environments on the private market. In larger cities and university hubs, business-run rentals are often available as additional options, though the municipal governments in the inner city of Budapest have begun to crack down on short-term rentals like Airbnb in 2025, and it remains to be seen whether this trend continues.
Depending on your needs, you will be able to find both furnished and unfurnished rentals, with flats making up the predominant selection in urban locales and houses (including the infamous “Kádár-kocka”) in more rural environments. Studios and flatshares are also available, though you are more likely to encounter those in venues where an important higher education institution is present, and students are more likely to be the landlords' primary targets.
How to find accommodation in Hungary
There are several classifieds in the local newspapers. But, if your Hungarian is not great, the best option to find accommodation is to browse apartment hunting websites (realestatehungary.hu, which is the English equivalent of ingatlan.com is your best choice; zenga.hu, an OTP-affiliated competitor, is also worth checking out for exclusive listings) and Facebook Groups and Marketplace (primarily for student/expat rentals).
Most of these have at least English as a language option. Keep in mind that the adverts on these platforms have been placed by real estate agencies rather than the landlord personally. Although there is nothing wrong with the properties featured (in fact, their quality may even be better), make sure to clarify any fees upfront.
In Hungary, agency commission is typically paid by the landlord, not the tenant. However, a common requirement is to pay a two-month security deposit (“kaució”) alongside the first month's rent upfront.
Good to know:
Hungary is a densely populated country in its urban centers, and many older people (who also happen to be apartment owners) adhere to traditional values, so word of mouth can be powerful. Unlike in the past, however, the high demand means that apartments don't stay on the market for long.
Useful links:
Alberlet (popular Hungarian Apartment Rental Website)
Real Estate Hungary (English version of ingatlan.com)
Hungary is a major destination for international students (consult our section Studying in Hungary), and the notice boards of universities can be quite helpful in your quest for accommodation if you're a student. University websites also feature adverts of students looking for roommates.
Cost of accommodation in Hungary
Deciding which Hungarian city you want to live in is perhaps the most important thing, even more important than deciding on a shared apartment versus a private flat. The reason for that is that rent prices fluctuate dramatically depending on the city you're in. For example, the capital city of Budapest is the most expensive by far, with Győr in the northwest following suit, whereas Szeged and Pécs in the south offer much more affordable housing options. An average private flat in Budapest can cost up to 800 euros per month, whereas renting with a flatmate will cost you around 300 euros. In one of the more affordable cities, like Szeged, you can find a private flat for 350-450 euros and a shared one for 150-200, so the difference is quite substantial.
Good to know:
When calculating your budget, you should also consider that utilities (common costs, electricity, gas, winter, and internet) are almost always on top of your rent (and, in the winter, heating costs will go up). Furthermore, most landlords ask for a two-month rent deposit.
Utilities in Hungary
The Hungarian government offers a generous subsidy for utility costs, but it is now only up to a specified cap. If the rental is poorly insulated or uses outdated equipment for heating, you run the risk of breaching the average consumption quota. With the “market price” being seven times higher for gas and double for electricity compared to the subsidized levels, it is vital to ask for a winter utility bill before signing any deal. If you're not careful, the market-rate heating in a winter month can cost you as much as the rental itself. Beautiful old apartments in Budapest's VII. and VIII. Districts with old heaters and high ceilings can run up a prohibitively expensive utility bill in the winter. Prioritize rentals that offer central heating with individual heaters (or heat pumps) rather than old gas heaters.
What you need to know about the lease in Hungary
First, you need to decide what kind of duration you'd like your lease to have. It is possible to rent seasonally (up to 6 months) or by semester (up to a year); these apartments are usually furnished, and the price may be slightly higher. Long-term rentals (from a year onwards) are the most cost-effective option. Housing in the “controlled sector” (social or municipality) is generally not accessible to expats in Hungary.
Good to know:
To register for your residence permit or address card (“lakcímkártya”), you will need a valid lease contract signed by the owner. Make sure the landlord permits you to register the address officially before signing as this can be a sticking point in negotiations.
Many Hungarian landlords may tell you it's not necessary to have a written contract for the lease and that a verbal agreement is enough. Do not accept this. This way, you are not protected and cannot make an appeal in case they suddenly terminate your contract without enough notice. Standard lease agreements in Hungary are protective of tenants, and there is a real risk of “squatting”, so landlords may also require you to sign a notarial declaration where you waive certain rights related to eviction. This may sound intimidating, but it is standard procedure.
When checking a lease, ensure that you are allowed to register your stay, as this is necessary for you to get an address card (“lakcímkártya”). Be sure to check the details of the utility payments and the rules related to the deposit, as well as the termination clause. If multiple currencies are involved, e.g., a price listed in EUR but payments are made in HUF, the contract must also specify the exchange rate used (usually the national bank's exchange rate on the day of payment). Also, make sure there is an inventory list and document the state of the rental on the day you move in so that the landlord can't make fraudulent claims against your deposit later down the line.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
