⚖️ City comparison
Budapest vs Warsaw
Budapest (Hungary) and Warsaw (Poland), compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet, visas and tax.
The short version
- Budapest is 16% cheaper: $1,770 vs $2,105 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Budapest: $896 vs $1,201 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Budapest has more pleasant weather: 7 pleasant months a year vs 5.
- Budapest is warmer: highs average 5°F more across the year (coldest-month high 41°F vs 39°F in Warsaw; hottest 85°F vs 78°F).
- Residents rate Warsaw safer: a safety index of 75 vs 66 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Hungary has a nomad visa ($3,447/mo); Poland has no nomad visa.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇭🇺 Budapest | 🇵🇱 Warsaw |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 75 | 74 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,770 | $2,105 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $896 | $1,201 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $874 | $904 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 7 | 5 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 41–85°F | 39–78°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 66/100 (residents) | 75/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 355 Mbps | 366 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 11.9 µg/m³ | 14.5 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | High (EF) | Very high (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | High | Very high |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Moderate | Moderate |
| ✈️ 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 | No nomad visa |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income, top 15% | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income, top 32% |
Best months to be there
🇭🇺 Budapest
3 best months
🇵🇱 Warsaw
4 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Budapest climate · Warsaw climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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