Bucharest vs Budapest

Bucharest 🇷🇴
Budapest 🇭🇺
Population 1,830,000 1,768,073
Official language(s) Romanian Hungarian
Level of English High High
Main airport Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD)
Most common months to visit April - October March - June, September - November
Currency RON - Romanian Leu (L) HUF - Hungarian Forint (Ft)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere Accepted almost everywhere, cash needed for small shops
Remote worker visa No No
Average monthly costs $1351 $1230
Rent $615 $499
Groceries $114 $108
Dining out $165 $202
Cafe $38 $29
Coworking space $133 $120
Mobile internet $7 $9
Public transportation $21 $36
Taxis $9 $27
Shared bicycles and scooters $25 $13
Sport and cultural events $29 $24
Museums and sights $29 $7
Nightlife $45 $43
Gym $30 $37
Yoga $59 $48
Massage $31 $26
SIM card options Vodafone, Orange Vodafone, Telenor
Tipping 5% - 10% at restaurants, 5% - 10% tip for services is appreciated but not expected, round up for taxis 10 - 15% at restaurants and bars
Taxi apps Star Taxi, Uber Bolt, Fotaxi
Tap water Not drinkable Drinkable
Overall cuisine Wide range of meat and fish dishes, soups, salads and cheeses influenced by German, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek and Ukrainian cuisine. Magyar cuisine makes extensive use of creams, cheeses and sauces primarily in beef, chicken and pork dishes, mixed with seasonal vegetables, fruits and rich desserts.
Local food specialities Sarmale, mămăligă, mici, ciolan cu fasole, ciorbă de burtă, covrig, papanasi Goulash, Fisherman's soup, Főzelék, Somloi Galuska, Pörkölt and Paprikás, Kürtös Kalács, Hungarian Lecsó, Lángos
Eat like a local Set lunch menus, cafe terraces, cofeterias Local markets, cafés, taverns, street food, traditional restaurants
Vegetarian / vegan options 33 listings on Happy Cow 47 options on HappyCow