Are you planning a trip to Central Europe and wondering which city between Prague and Budapest is more expensive? Well, the answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think.
Both cities have unique characteristics that contribute to their cost of living. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the factors that influence the cost of living in Prague and Budapest.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Prague tends to be slightly more expensive than Budapest. This is because Prague is a more popular tourist destination and attracts more visitors throughout the year.
As a result, accommodation prices tend to be higher in Prague compared to Budapest. However, both cities offer a wide range of accommodation options from budget hostels to luxury hotels.
Food and Drinks
Food and drink prices in both cities are relatively affordable compared to other European destinations. However, Budapest tends to be slightly cheaper than Prague in this regard. You can find plenty of affordable restaurants and bars in both cities serving delicious local cuisine and drinks.
Restaurants
In terms of restaurants, both cities have a good selection of budget-friendly options as well as high-end dining experiences. In general, you can expect to pay slightly more for meals in Prague than in Budapest.
- Prague: A meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around 600 CZK (approximately 25 USD).
- Budapest: A similar meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around 6,000 HUF (approximately 20 USD).
Bars
Both cities have vibrant nightlife scenes with plenty of bars and pubs offering affordable drinks. However, beer tends to be cheaper in Budapest compared to Prague.
- Prague: A pint of beer will cost you around 45 CZK (approximately 2 USD).
- Budapest: A similar pint of beer will cost you around 400 HUF (approximately 1.5 USD).
Transportation
When it comes to transportation, Budapest tends to be slightly more expensive than Prague. However, both cities have excellent public transportation systems that are affordable and efficient.
Public Transport
In Prague, you can use a single ticket for all modes of public transport including buses, trams, and the metro. A single ticket costs around 24 CZK (approximately 1 USD).
In Budapest, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets for each mode of transport. A single ticket costs around 350 HUF (approximately 1.25 USD).
Taxis
Taxis in both cities are relatively affordable compared to other European destinations. However, Budapest tends to be slightly cheaper than Prague.
- Prague: A taxi ride from the airport to the city center will cost you around 600-700 CZK (approximately 25-30 USD).
- Budapest: A similar taxi ride will cost you around 7,000-8,000 HUF (approximately 25-30 USD).
Conclusion
Overall, both Prague and Budapest offer affordable travel options for budget-conscious travelers. While accommodation tends to be slightly more expensive in Prague compared to Budapest, food and drink prices tend to be cheaper in Budapest. Transportation costs are also relatively affordable in both cities with efficient public transportation systems and reasonably priced taxis.
So which city is more expensive? It ultimately depends on your travel preferences and budget. Both cities have unique characteristics that make them worth visiting, so why not visit both and decide for yourself which city is more expensive?