Is Budapest Cheap to Eat and Drink? A Comprehensive Guide

If you plan to move to Budapest, one of the first questions you might have is, “Is Budapest cheap to eat and drink?” This vibrant city is known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and rich history, but how does it fare regarding food and drink prices? This article will explore the costs of dining and drinking in Budapest and the overall costs of monthly groceries to provide a clear picture of what to expect.

Average Meal Cost in Budapest

When considering whether Budapest is cheap to eat and drink, it’s essential to look at the average meal cost. Generally, you can expect to pay around £5 to £10 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. For a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, prices typically range from £25 to £40. These prices make Budapest an appealing destination for budget-conscious travellers.

Prices in Budapest for Food and Drink

Budapest prices for food and drink vary depending on where you dine. Street food and fast food options are affordable, with prices often between £2 and £5 for items like a slice of pizza, a sandwich, or a pastry. In contrast, dining at high-end restaurants can be more expensive but still relatively cheap compared to Western Europe.

Budapest Prices for Food and Drink in Pounds

For you to have an idea, finding common supermarket brands that operate in your current city and the city you wish to move to could be interesting. For example, for someone in London wondering how much a weekly trip to the supermarket would cost in Budapest, they have to, let’s say, simulate online shopping in a Budapest Tesco store(a familiar brand in both cities), selecting the items they usually buy and see the total amount they will probably pay weekly.

To illustrate a bit further, a shopping cart with typical products and reasonable quantities of cornflakes, sliced pork, pasta, roasted coffee, potato, bread, cheese, and spinach would cost you approximately 68£.

We can’t stress enough how important it is to be able to adapt your diet and take into consideration how locals eat and where they buy. Nothing better than understanding from the inside how to find the best offers and where to find the local markets that sell fresh and affordable food. The natives know how to navigate their budgets, and observing and making concessions is one of the good ways you can learn how to eat seasonally, healthy and at an affordable price.

To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down Budapest prices for food and drink in pounds:

Coffee: Coffee typically costs around £1.20 to £2.50.

Beer: A pint of local beer usually ranges from £1.50 to £3.

Wine: A glass of house wine is about £2 to £4.

Soft Drinks: Expect to pay around £1 to £2 for a soft drink.

Tips for Eating and Drinking Cheaply in Budapest

Explore Local Markets: Visiting local markets like the Great Market Hall can be a cost-effective way to experience Budapest’s culinary delights. You can find fresh produce, local snacks, and affordable meals here.

Eat Like a Local: Try traditional Hungarian dishes at local eateries. Meals like goulash, langos, and chimney cake are delicious and inexpensive.

Happy Hours and Deals: Many bars and restaurants offer happy hour deals, making it even cheaper to enjoy a drink in Budapest. Look out for these offers to save money.

Affordable Dining and Drinking in Budapest

So, is Budapest cheap to eat and drink? The answer is a resounding yes, but it also depends, haha. No, but seriously, following the tips above, it’s possible to opt for affordable meal options, reasonably priced drinks, and plenty of tips for saving money. Budapest offers an attractive dining scene for travellers and newcomers alike. Budapest’s culinary landscape is diverse and affordable, whether enjoying a budget-friendly street food snack or indulging in a more elaborate meal. Before succumbing to all the deliciousness Budapest offers, you’ll need to relocate, and this is our job. VanOne International Movers will assist throughout your transition. We provide the necessary documents to free you from bureaucratic issues and relocate your belongings. Contact us to learn more about our services, and please try for yourself. Our website has user-friendly tools where you can generate free quotes.