Published: December 10 2023
The cost of living in Budapest has surpassed that of Vienna, making it difficult for Hungarians to afford daily expenses. This blog post explores the rising costs in Budapest compared to Vienna and the impact it has on the local population.
Price Difference in Food
In Budapest, the prices for food have increased significantly compared to the Austrian capital. For example, a grill hot dog costs HUF 8,000 (EUR 21) in Budapest, while it is only EUR 8 in Vienna. The difference in prices extends to other food items as well, with traditional Hungarian lángos costing EUR 17 in Hungary compared to EUR 14.5 in Vienna.
Christmas Market Disparities
Both Budapest and Vienna have Christmas markets in their downtown areas. However, in Budapest, it is uncommon for average school students to go and eat at these markets due to the high prices. In Vienna, on the other hand, it is a regular occurrence for locals to enjoy food and drinks at the Christmas market.
Differences in Drink Prices
The cost of hot beverages, such as hot chocolate and hot wine, is higher in Vienna compared to Budapest. In Vienna, people bring their own mugs to save money, as purchasing a glass costs EUR 3 and a mug costs EUR 5. Meanwhile, the average price for classical Viennese hot wine and punch is EUR 6, while in Budapest it is only EUR 4.3.
Impact on Locals
The rising costs in Budapest have taken a toll on the local population. Hungarian couples, Vivien and Ádám, who work in the catering sector, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the prices. They estimate that prices have increased by an average of 20%, making it difficult for them to afford eating out at the Budapest Christmas market every week like they do in Vienna.
Conclusion
The increasing cost of living in Budapest compared to Vienna has made it challenging for Hungarians to afford daily expenses. From food prices to Christmas market disparities, the impact is felt by the local population. These rising costs have prompted locals to find alternative ways to save money and limit their spending on certain items.
Questions & Answers
Is the cost of living higher in Budapest or Vienna? According to the source article, the cost of living is higher in Budapest compared to Vienna.
How much does a grill hot dog cost in Budapest? According to the source article, a grill hot dog costs HUF 8,000 in Budapest, which is equivalent to approximately EUR 21.
How much does a grill hot dog cost in Vienna? According to the source article, a grill hot dog costs EUR 8 in Vienna.
Are the prices at Christmas fairs in Budapest and Vienna similar? No, the prices at Christmas fairs in Budapest and Vienna are not similar. According to the source article, food prices at the Christmas fair in Budapest are significantly higher compared to Vienna.
What is the average salary in Austria in 2022? According to the source article, the median salary in Austria in 2022 was around EUR 2,000.
What is the average salary in Hungary in 2022? According to the source article, the average salary in Hungary in 2022 did not reach EUR 900.
Why do people in Vienna bring their own mugs to drink hot chocolate or hot wine? People in Vienna bring their own mugs to drink hot chocolate or hot wine because the glassware provided at the Christmas fair is expensive. According to the source article, a glass of hot chocolate or hot wine costs EUR 3, while a mug costs EUR 5.
What type of foods are served at the Christmas fair in Budapest and Vienna? According to the source article, the Christmas fairs in both Budapest and Vienna serve a variety of foods. In Budapest, typical foods include lángos (a Hungarian specialty), hot dogs, and French fries. In Vienna, foods like Wiener schnitzel and potato salad are popular.
Are the prices of hot wine and punch higher in Budapest or Vienna? The prices of hot wine and punch are higher in Vienna compared to Budapest. According to the source article, the average price of hot wine and punch is EUR 6 in Vienna and EUR 4.3 in Budapest.
What is the most expensive food at the Vienna Christmas fair? The most expensive food at the Vienna Christmas fair is a potato salad with beef Wiener schnitzel, which costs EUR 15.5.
What is the most popular food at the Vienna Christmas fair? According to the source article, the most popular food at the Vienna Christmas fair is lángos, which is also a popular food in Budapest.
