⚖️ City comparison
Budapest vs Ljubljana
Budapest (Hungary) and Ljubljana (Slovenia), compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet, visas and tax.
The short version
- Budapest is 18% cheaper: $1,770 vs $2,147 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Budapest: $896 vs $1,157 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Both have 7 pleasant months a year.
- Similar temperatures: coldest-month highs 41°F vs 43°F, hottest 85°F vs 82°F.
- Residents rate Ljubljana safer: a safety index of 78 vs 66 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in Budapest: 355 vs 238 Mbps median download.
- Hungary has a nomad visa ($3,447/mo); Slovenia has a nomad visa ($3,447/mo).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇭🇺 Budapest | 🇸🇮 Ljubljana |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 75 | 75 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,770 | $2,147 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $896 | $1,157 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $874 | $990 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 7 | 7 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 41–85°F | 43–82°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 66/100 (residents) | 78/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 355 Mbps | 238 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 11.9 µg/m³ | 11.7 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | High (EF) | n/a |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | High | High |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Moderate | High |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~9h to New York | ~8.5h to New York |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 1 h | 1 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | 90 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | White Card | Digital Nomad Visa → launched Nov 2025 (Europe's newest) |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income, top 15% | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income, top 50% |
Best months to be there
🇭🇺 Budapest
3 best months
🇸🇮 Ljubljana
4 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Budapest climate · Ljubljana climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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