Question 1

Are utility costs included in the rental price of a studio apartment in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

For most studio apartments in Budapest, utility costs are not included in the rental price — these are paid separately by the tenant. Exceptions may be studio apartments in Budapest advertised as all-inclusive or furnished, where internet or common charges are sometimes included. The main cost items: 1. Common charges: 3,000–10,000 HUF/month;
2. Gas: 5,000–15,000 HUF/month, higher in season;
3. Electricity: 5,000–10,000 HUF/month;
4. Water and sewage: 2,000–4,000 HUF/month;
5. Internet: 4,000–8,000 HUF/month. For studio apartments, monthly utilities generally amount to around 15,000–35,000 HUF in total, and can rise to as much as 40,000–50,000 HUF during the heating season. Always check in the listing what is included in the rental price, and request confirmation in writing as well.

Question 2

What hidden costs should be expected when renting a studio apartment in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the rental price of a studio apartment in Budapest, a number of other expenses should be taken into account. At move-in, one-time costs can amount to the equivalent of 2–3 months' rent; on a monthly basis, additional costs of 20,000–50,000 HUF beyond utilities can arise.
One-time move-in costs:
1. Security deposit: typically 1–2 months' rent;
2. First month's rent: payable in advance;
3. Notary fee (for fixed-term contracts): approx. 15,000–30,000 HUF.
Recurring costs on top of rent:
1. Utilities (gas, electricity, water): 12,000–30,000 HUF/month;
2. Common charges: 3,000–10,000 HUF/month;
3. Waste collection: 1,000–2,000 HUF/month, if not included in the common charges;
4. Internet: 4,000–8,000 HUF/month;
5. Home insurance (recommended): 2,000–5,000 HUF/month.
Unexpected costs:
Minor repairs and replacement of worn-out equipment are generally the tenant's responsibility. When browsing studio apartment listings in Budapest, always request a written breakdown of all charges, and read through the contract item by item before signing.

Question 3

What is the average monthly cost of renting a studio apartment in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

The average rental price for a studio apartment in Budapest is 5192 HUF per month. Prices start from 350 HUF for smaller or panel-built studio apartments in outer districts, and can reach 300000 HUF for centrally located, renovated, or newly built properties. The rental price is primarily influenced by location, floor area, building type (panel vs. brick), condition, and whether it is furnished. A studio apartment rented long-term in Budapest is generally available on more favorable terms and at a lower monthly rate. On Rentola you can find current studio apartment listings in Budapest, where you can filter by budget and location.

Question 4

How much does heating cost in winter in a studio apartment to rent in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

The heating cost for a studio apartment in Budapest during the heating season (October–April) averages 8,000–25,000 HUF/month, depending on the heating system, the age of the building, and its energy rating.
The most common heating solutions and their winter costs:
1. District heating – 8,000–20,000 HUF/month; the most common solution in panel buildings, the fee is usually included in the common charges;
2. Gas boiler individual heating – 10,000–25,000 HUF/month; typical in brick-built and renovated buildings;
3. Electric heating – 15,000–35,000 HUF/month; the least economical solution;
4. Heat pump system – 6,000–15,000 HUF/month; found in newer buildings.
Heating costs by energy rating:
- AA++–BB class (modern buildings): 5,000–12,000 HUF/month;
- CC–DD class (average, renovated buildings): 12,000–20,000 HUF/month;
- EE–GG class (old, uninsulated buildings): 20,000–35,000 HUF/month.
In Hungary, displaying an energy certificate in listings is mandatory — when searching for a studio apartment to rent in Budapest, always check the energy rating, and for long-term rentals ask the landlord for the previous year's heating bills as well.

Question 5

How much is the security deposit typically for a studio apartment to rent in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

For studio apartment listings in Budapest, the landlord typically requires a security deposit equivalent to 1–2 months' rent, which must be paid at the time of signing the contract. Since the average rental price for studio apartments in Budapest is 5192 HUF, the deposit is generally one or two times this amount — making it the largest one-time expense at move-in.
In some listings you may come across studio apartments in Budapest advertised with no security deposit — however, in such cases a higher rental price or other form of guarantee is to be expected.
The deposit covers:
- damage caused to the property or furnishings;
- unpaid rent or utility arrears;
- losses resulting from early termination of the contract.
You will get it back, provided that:
- no damage has occurred to the property;
- all rent and utility payments have been settled;
- the keys have been returned on time.
The landlord has 30 days by law to process the refund. A handover report protects the interests of both parties — it is advisable to prepare one both at move-in and move-out.

Question 6

Is a studio apartment to rent in Budapest suitable for long-term living?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a studio apartment to rent in Budapest can be suitable for long-term living — but it is important to weigh up the advantages and limitations.
Advantages:
1. Lower rental price and utility costs;
2. Easier maintenance and cleaning;
3. Generally better location for the same budget;
4. Ideal for singles or couples.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Smaller floor area (generally 18–35 m²) — storage space and room to move around are limited;
2. No separate bedroom — the living and sleeping areas are combined;
3. Can be cramped for working from home.
For long-term rentals, it is worth looking for a studio apartment in Budapest that has built-in storage, a balcony, or a shared storage room available. In studio apartments rented long-term directly from landlords, furniture arrangement and storage solutions can be modified by agreement with the landlord.

Question 7

Where can I find studio apartments for rent in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

Rentola currently has 197 studio apartment listings in Budapest — you can contact landlords directly and rent a property without an agent. Among studio apartments for rent in Budapest, you can filter by size, price, location, and whether the property is furnished.
How to search effectively:
1. Set up alerts to be the first to know about new listings;
2. Filter by district, price, and size;
3. Prepare your documents (ID card, income certificate) in advance;
4. Respond to listings on the same day — good offers are taken quickly.
For long-term rentals, always ask about utility costs and contract terms at the first point of contact. The better prepared you are, the greater your chances of securing the right studio apartment.

Question 8

What is the best time to look for a studio apartment for rent in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

The best time to look for a studio apartment for rent in Budapest is between October and February, when demand decreases, supply improves, and landlords are more flexible on price and contract terms. On average, it takes 2–5 weeks to find the right studio apartment — this depends on the season and the district.
Seasonal trends:
- January–February: low demand, good supply — average search time 1–2 weeks;
- March–May: increasing demand, still adequate supply — 2–3 weeks;
- June–August: moderate demand — 2–4 weeks;
- September: peak season due to university enrollments — demand for studio apartments is particularly high, the best offers are taken within 24–48 hours;
- October–December: less competition, better negotiating position — 1–2 weeks.
What speeds up the process:
- Preparing documents in advance (ID card, income certificate);
- Responding to listings on the same day;
- Being flexible about the floor or furnishing status.
Set up alerts on Rentola to be notified immediately of new studio apartment listings for rent in Budapest.

Question 9

Are studio apartments to rent in Budapest available furnished?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a significant portion of studio apartments to rent in Budapest are available furnished — this is the most common option, as studio apartments are frequently rented by young people and singles.
Fully furnished studio apartment:
- Bed or sofa bed;
- Wardrobe, sometimes built-in storage;
- Equipped kitchenette (refrigerator, cooktop, microwave);
- Bathroom with basic fixtures (mirror, shelves);
- Washing machine or washing machine connection;
- Television, internet connection;
- Air conditioning — increasingly common in newer buildings.
Partially furnished:
- Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, cooktop);
- Built-in wardrobes;
- Washing machine.
Unfurnished studio apartment:
- Only built-in elements remain;
- Less common, typically found in long-term rental situations.
For studio apartment listings in Budapest, the furnishing status is generally indicated — when searching for a studio apartment to rent in Budapest, for properties rented directly from landlords without an agent, the terms can be arranged individually.

Question 10

What documents does the landlord request for a studio apartment for rent in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

Before renting a studio apartment in Budapest, the landlord generally requests identity, income verification, and administrative documents — particularly for long-term rentals.
Identity documents:
- ID card or passport;
- Address card.
Income verification documents:
- Employer's income certificate or employment contract;
- Bank statements for the last 3 months;
- For self-employed individuals: a NAV certificate of no outstanding tax liabilities.
Other commonly requested documents:
- Social security card (TAJ) and tax card — required for address registration;
- Reference from a previous landlord — not mandatory, but an advantage.
For studio apartments for rent in Budapest rented from private landlords without an agent, the requirements may be more flexible. For studio apartments, the contract is generally signed by the tenant only — however, if multiple people are living together, the landlord may request proof of identity from every adult occupant. Any collected data must be handled in accordance with GDPR.

Question 11

What is the difference between a panel-built and a brick-built studio apartment for rent in Budapest?

Accepted Answer

The two most common building types for studio apartments for rent in Budapest are panel buildings and brick-built buildings — each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Panel-built studio apartment:
1. Generally lower rental price;
2. District heating system — predictable, but cannot be individually regulated;
3. Better sound insulation between floors, but weaker between neighboring apartments;
4. Typically located in outer districts or housing estates;
5. Lower common charges, but renovation quality varies.
Brick-built studio apartment:
1. Generally higher rental price;
2. Individual gas heating — more controllable, but utility costs may be higher;
3. Better sound insulation and thicker walls;
4. Typically located in the city center or older neighborhoods;
5. Higher ceilings, more distinctive floor plans.
For studio apartment listings in Budapest, the building type is generally indicated — for long-term rentals, the heating system and energy rating are particularly important factors to consider.

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