Belgrade vs Budapest: A Tale of Two European Gems

By 0bmlo 07 Feb, 2025 Big Cities

Belgrade and Budapest are two captivating cities in Eastern Europe, each with its own charm and rich history. While Belgrade is the lively capital of Serbia with a dynamic cultural scene, Budapest stands as Hungary’s crown jewel, famous for its stunning architecture and thermal baths. Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which city suits your preferences.

Comparison at a Glance

Quick Facts

Category	Belgrade	Budapest
Cost of Living	Affordable, with low housing and dining costs.	Moderate; higher for housing but affordable dining.
Weather	Continental: hot summers, cold winters.	Similar, with slightly colder winters.
Public Transport	Extensive but aging bus, tram, and trolley network.	Modern, efficient Metro, trams, and buses.
Entertainment	Vibrant nightlife, historic sites, and festivals.	Thermal baths, river cruises, and historical landmarks.
Cuisine	Serbian grills, rakija, and local specialties.	Hungarian classics like goulash and chimney cakes.
Job Opportunities	Thriving in tech, trade, and creative sectors.	Strong in tourism, IT, and business services.
Safety	Generally safe, but some areas require caution.	Safe, with occasional petty theft in tourist areas.

Living Costs

Belgrade:
- Housing is affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing €300–€500/month (~$325–$550 USD).
- Dining out is inexpensive, with meals at local restaurants costing €5–€10 (~$6–$11 USD).
Budapest:
- Housing is more expensive, with a one-bedroom apartment in central areas costing €500–€800/month (~$550–$870 USD).
- Dining costs are similar, with meals ranging from €8–€15 (~$9–$16 USD).

Weather and Climate

Belgrade:
- Continental climate with hot summers (avg. 30°C/86°F) and cold winters (avg. -1°C/30°F).
- Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant.
Budapest:
- Similar continental climate, but winters are colder (avg. -2°C/28°F).
- Summers are warm (avg. 27°C/81°F), and springtime brings vibrant blooms.

Transportation

Belgrade:
- Public transport includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses, but the system is aging.
- Ride-hailing apps like CarGo and Bolt are popular.
Budapest:
- Modern, efficient transport system with four Metro lines, buses, and trams.
- The Budapest Card offers unlimited public transport and discounts at attractions.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Belgrade:
- Known for its nightlife, including floating river clubs (splavs) along the Danube and Sava rivers.
- Historical attractions like Kalemegdan Fortress and Skadarlija Street.
- Festivals such as EXIT and Belgrade Beer Fest.
Budapest:
- Iconic sites include Buda Castle, Parliament Building, and Fisherman’s Bastion.
- Famous for its thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért.
- Vibrant cultural scene with ruin bars and Danube river cruises.

Cuisine

Belgrade:
- Serbian specialties include ćevapi (grilled meat rolls), sarma (stuffed cabbage), and burek (savory pastry).
- Rakija (fruit brandy) is a local favorite.
Budapest:
- Hungarian dishes like goulash, lángos (fried dough), and chicken paprikash.
- Sweet treats like chimney cakes and Dobos torte are popular.

Job Opportunities

Belgrade:
- Thrives in tech startups, trade, and creative industries.
- Increasing demand for English-speaking professionals in IT and outsourcing.
Budapest:
- A hub for international businesses, especially in tourism, IT, and business process outsourcing (BPO).
- Strong job market for expats in education, finance, and healthcare.

Pros and Cons

Belgrade

Pros:

Affordable cost of living.
Dynamic nightlife and cultural scene.
Friendly, welcoming locals.

Cons:

Public transport infrastructure is outdated.
Limited green spaces compared to Budapest.
Bureaucratic challenges for expats.

Budapest