Moving to Budapest for your studies? Discover the best districts, average rental prices, and tips for finding Best Student Accommodation in Budapest in our complete guide. You’ve chosen Budapest for your Erasmus adventure? Fantastic choice! The Hungarian capital is widely considered one of the best cities in Europe for students. With its stunning architecture, legendary ruin bars, affordable cost of living, and vibrant international community, it’s easy to see why thousands of students flock here every semester.
But before you can start exploring the thermal baths or enjoying a sunset by the Danube, there’s one big item to tick off your list: finding a place to live.
Navigating the rental market in a foreign country can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with language barriers and unfamiliar districts. But don’t worry! Whether you are looking for a cozy room in a shared apartment or a private studio, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding safe and affordable student accommodation in Budapest.
Budapest offers a variety of housing options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Knowing what’s available is the first step to finding your perfect home away from home.
This is by far the most popular option for Erasmus students. Living in a shared apartment means you rent a private bedroom while sharing the kitchen, bathroom, and living area with other students.
If you value your privacy or need a quiet space to focus on your studies, renting a studio or a one-bedroom apartment might be the right choice for you.
Budapest is divided into two sides by the Danube River: Buda (hilly and residential) and Pest (flat and buzzing with life). Most universities and the student nightlife are located on the Pest side. Here are the top districts to consider:
This is the heart of the party district. If you want to be walking distance from the famous ruin bars, trendy cafes, and street food courts, this is the place to be. It’s loud, lively, and never sleeps.
Sitting right next to District 7, this area is slightly more upscale but still very central. It’s home to Andrássy Avenue (Budapest’s Champs-Élysées) and plenty of theaters and shops. It offers a great balance of action and livability.
Historically a bit rougher around the edges, the "Palace District" part of District 8 (the area closest to the city center) has become a student hotspot. It’s often more affordable than Districts 6 and 7 and has a cool, alternative vibe with plenty of student-friendly bars and cafes.
While living in the outskirts (Districts 10, 11, or 14) might save you some money on rent, we usually recommend Erasmus students stay central (Districts 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9). Budapest has excellent public transport, but being able to walk home after a night out or a late study session is a huge advantage. Plus, you won't miss out on spontaneous social gatherings!
Compared to Western European cities like Paris or Amsterdam, Budapest is incredibly affordable. However, prices have risen in recent years. Here is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to pay:
Be careful when looking at prices! In Hungary, the listed rental price often excludes utility bills (common costs, electricity, water, gas, internet).
Despite these costs, you get great value for money here compared to other Erasmus destinations. You can often live in a beautiful, high-ceilinged historical building for the price of a tiny dorm room elsewhere!
To avoid the stress of scams or sub-standard housing, follow these guidelines for a safe search:
Always try to use platforms that verify their listings like Pepe Housing. Knowing that the apartment actually exists and looks like the photos saves you from a nasty surprise upon arrival.
A proper lease agreement protects you from being kicked out unexpectedly or losing your deposit unfairly. Ensure the contract is in English (or a bilingual version) so you know exactly what you are signing.
While some students prefer to book a hostel for a week and search for flats in person, this can be incredibly stressful - especially in August or January when demand is high. Securing your accommodation online before you fly ensures you have a place to land.
Is it better to book months in advance or wait until the last minute?
We always recommend booking early. Budapest is a very popular student city, and the best, most affordable rooms get snapped up quickly - often months before the semester starts.
Waiting until you arrive means you’re choosing from the "leftovers" - usually the expensive luxury flats or the low-quality rooms no one else wanted. Plus, having your housing sorted gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on saying goodbye to friends at home and packing your bags.
At Pepe Housing, we understand the challenges of moving abroad because we’ve helped thousands of students just like you. Our platform is designed to make the renting process safe, transparent, and 100% online.
With Pepe Housing, you don't need to worry about language barriers or confusing contracts. We are here to support you before and after your booking, making sure your transition to Budapest is seamless.
➡️ Browse verified student accommodation in Budapest at pepehousing.com
Ready to start your Hungarian journey? Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:
Welcome to Budapest - you’re going to have the time of your life! Best Student Accommodation in Budapest Best Student Accommodation in Budapest Best Student Accommodation in Budapest Best Student Accommodation in Budapest Best Student Accommodation in Budapest Best Student Accommodation in Budapest Best Student Accommodation in Budapest Best Student Accommodation in Budapest Best Student Accommodation in Budapest
