Visiting a country (Budapest, Hungary in my case) for a few days or a few weeks is something most of us have done. With the advent of air travel and cheap flights, there are plenty of opportunities for us to enjoy another part of the world. Most times, if we are lucky, we return from the trip refreshed and a new sense of purpose. If the trip is extraordinary, we tell ourselves and friends, that we could stay and live in that country.
As someone who has lived in London, St. Petersburg (Russia), Bucharest, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and Budapest, I am well aware of the challenges of living abroad. Issues that you would never have thought of seem to pop out of nowhere. From finding a long-term apartment to doing your daily tasks, which include shopping for food, transportation, paying your bills and navigating the city. Communicating is essential for your daily encounters which in some cases can make life even more difficult if there is a significant language barrier.
What to look for when choosing a place to live Abroad?
When choosing a place to live abroad, there are several crucial factors to consider ensuring the destination aligns with your lifestyle, goals, and personal circumstances.
Because I have lived in Budapest Hungary, as an American, for the past 12 years I will address all of these factors as they pertain to Hungary. These are my opinions and might very well differ from another person’s experience.
Cost of Living
- Accommodation: Rent or property prices (urban vs rural).
- Daily expenses: Food, transport, utilities, leisure.
- Healthcare & insurance: Are you eligible for public healthcare, or will you need private insurance?
The cost of living in Budapest, Hungary is inexpensive compared to many of the other European capitals. Places such as Paris, London, Rome, Madrid, etc. can be prohibitively more expensive and can be compared to New York and Los Angelas.
Rent is usually your biggest expense, and in Budapest it is conservatively 60% less expensive than the above-named cities. For example, a 2-bedroom flat overlooking the Danube in a posh area can be 4x more expensive than in other cities such as New York and London.
Daily expenses are also much cheaper when compared to these cities and can save you a lot of money. The availability of certain items is scarce in Budapest, but overall, you can get what you want if you know where to look.
Hungary does offer National Healthcare. Its free to those who are residents as well as those who have a Visa, such as myself. The quality of healthcare is in my opinion below average and as an American I still keep my private insurance in the US for any major medical problems.
Now there is a contradiction to these issues as Hungary is a major destination for Medical Tourism for Europeans and those from the UK. Hungary excels at providing state of the art procedures for treatments such as Hair Transplants and Dental procedures competing with Turkey in terms of price. I would even go so far as to say that the care for both Dental and Hair is much better than Turkey. This stems from the fact that Hungary is part of the EU and must abide by the strict standards and protocols set by the EU.
If you go to a private dental clinic in NYC or London, the price you pay will be in the area of 3-4Xs the price of what it would be in Hungary. These include everything from Root Canal, Tooth Removal, Dental Implants, and complete restorative procedures for those who have lost most or all of their teeth.
I address the Medical Tourism issue as someone who has had dental treatment at a private clinic in Budapest and was astounded at the quality of care and the price. Fortunately, I am not in the market for a Hair Transplant anytime soon, but with a few of my friends going “under the knife”, I can assure you that it is just as professional and affordable as the Dental procedures.
Visa & Residency Requirements
- What type of visa is required for your stay (e.g. work, retirement, student, digital nomad)?
- How easy is it to obtain long-term residency or permanent settlement?
- Are there path-to-citizenship options?
Hungary is part of the EU (European Union) and in most cases follows the guidelines of many of the other countries. With a US Passport I was allowed 90 days at one time and a total of 180 days per year. This for staying in the Schengen Zone and requires just a passport.
I do currently have a work Visa which is valid for 2 years giving me the ability to come and go as I please. The Visa is a process which takes some time and can cost you a bit of money.
Language & Communication
- Is English widely spoken, or will you need to learn the local language?
- Are there resources or schools available to learn the language?
The Hungarian language is one of the most difficult in the world. It is not Slavic, Romance, or part of any other group. This is a language that you cannot fake and wither you know it, or you don’t
The Hungarians are well versed in English which makes life that much easier. In my experience of living abroad, the Hungarians and Romanians are the most versed in English. Brazil and Argentina were very difficult, although Portuguese and Spanish are somewhat easy to pick up. If you want to learn Hungarian, there are plenty of options to do so and it is quite cheap.
Safety and Stability
- Political stability, crime rates, and general personal safety.
- Natural disaster risks (earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.).
- Healthcare quality and emergency services.
As someone who has been to over 50 cities abroad, I can say that Budapest is one of the safest cities I have ever visited. It’s safer than any of the top 20 cities in the US and safer than every European capital. The Hungarian government is very strict in who comes and goes and has made it their mission to keep it that way.
Hungary is located in an area that does not see much extreme weather. Heavy rains once in a while along with temperatures touching the mid 90s F (35 C) are the most extreme. Snow in Budapest has been almost non-existent for the past 12 years with the temperature going below 32 F (0 C) a handful of days during the winter months.
As mentioned above the healthcare is below par when it comes to the National healthcare system and I would try to avoid it if you can.
Healthcare System
- Availability and quality of care.
- Cost and insurance requirements.
- Access for foreigners or expats.
Although already addressed above I will say that the cost of out-of-pocket expenses is quite cheap. If you’re visiting and happen to suffer some sort of injury the trip to the hospital or a doctor will not be anywhere near the cost of care in the US.
Job and Income Opportunities
- Can you legally work there?
- Are there opportunities in your field?
- Average salaries and taxation rates for foreigners.
Hungary is very strict on ex-pats working in the country. Most of the foreign workers are in the Service Industry where there is a high demand as many Hungarians moved abroad to work. Although the demand is high, the government is very strict in having these employees working legally. The authorities will have no problem shutting down a restaurant for a few weeks if one of the wait staff does not have the proper visa.
As with many of the multi-nationals such as Diageo (Beverage Industry) and BP (British Petroleum) there are many foreign employees who are sponsored by the company and can legally work in the country. Taxation can vary from your country of origin and the job you do, so it is best to check ahead before you make any commitments.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
- Reliable internet and mobile services.
- Transportation (public transit, roads, international airports).
- Utilities (electricity, water, etc.).
All utilities are readily available and less expensive than in many other countries. The Internet is good, and the public transportation is always top-notch. Hungary does not have a national airline which limits the available overseas destinations, but within Europe and the Middle East there are plenty of flights. Wizz Air is the largest operator and offers many affordable destinations. This is one of the reasons for the popularity in medical tourism. For a round-trip flight, hotel, and transportation you are still saving over 60% for both Dental and Hair Transplants.
Cultural Fit & Lifestyle
- Do you enjoy the local customs, cuisine, and social norms?
- Is the pace of life what you’re looking for (fast-paced city vs relaxed coastal town)?
- Are there communities (e.g., expat groups) or amenities that fit your interests?
Budapest has a population of 1.7 million while Hungary has a total population of 9.5 million. Not large by any measure which gives Budapest more of a big, small-town feel. It’s a relaxed pace compared to the hectic cities of London and NYC, while providing plenty to do for leisure and socializing. There are a variety of ex-pats from all over the world living and working in Hungary while their medical school provides and education for those abroad.
The beer is cheap, and the people are friendly. There are all kinds of cuisine for the taking as well as the usual staples such as McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC, and other fast-food destinations.
If you’re slightly outgoing, you will have no problem meeting people from your home country and those from around the globe. With English being the second most popular language there is always someone to talk to. Hungary is a Western Christian country which should make most Westerners and others able to fit in and adapt.
Climate & Environment
- Seasonal variation and overall climate.
- Air quality and pollution levels.
- Access to nature, beaches, mountains, etc.
The air quality in Budapest can be sometimes a bit polluted although the countryside can offer a reprieve. There is no coast, although there is Lake Balaton and the Danube River. Hungry is a great place to hike and bike ride and offers your typical 4 seasons and all of the changes that go with them. None of the seasons is extreme and is very similar to places such as NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
Education (if applicable)
- Are there quality international or bilingual schools for children?
- Opportunities for adult education or professional development.
There are international schools for children as well as Universities taught in English, such as the medical school. I can’t comment on the adult education and professional development.
Taxes and Legal Obligations
- Will you be taxed on foreign income?
- Are there tax treaties with your home country?
- Local property and sales taxes.
As mentioned above it is best to consult with a professional with regards to income and taxes. There is a VAT (Value Added Tax) which is 27% of most goods and services purchases. It is one of the highest in the EU and sometimes is a bit “taxing”. Property taxes are very low compared to other big cities.
Support Network & Community
- Are there established expat communities?
- Social clubs, religious centers, or networking groups?
- Ease of integrating and making friends?
Budapest is home to the largest Synagogue in Europe and consists of many churches. There are plenty of ex-pat communities and organizations although I found it much more enjoyable to stay away from the clicks of your country or origin. It’s easy to make friends and in the 12 years I have been in Budapest I have met some of the best people from all walks of life.
Thoughts and Conclusion on living in Budapest, Hungary
Packing up and moving abroad is no easy task. It’s for those willing to take a chance and experience something new and exciting. I’ve been doing this for over 25 years and there is not a day that goes by where I regret my decision. I’ve had my good days and bad days but it’s the experiences and people that have made it all worth it. With information at your fingertips, it is easy to find some information on the dos and don’ts of living abroad in a specific country. It’s not for everyone but when its good its great! Be safe and take a chance.
Visiting a country for a few days or a few weeks is something most of us have done. With the advent of air travel and cheap flights, there are plenty of opportunities for us to enjoy another part of the world. Most times, if we are lucky, we return from the trip refreshed and a new sense of purpose. If the trip is extraordinary, we tell ourselves and friends, that we could stay and live in that country.