Debrecen, Hungary
Hungary's second-largest city and the Calvinist Rome, a major educational and cultural center with a vibrant university life and the famous Great Church.
Overview
Debrecen is a city in Hajdú-Bihar with a population of 201,432. Hungary’s second-largest city and the Calvinist Rome, a major educational and cultural center with a vibrant university life and the famous Great Church. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Hungary Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Debrecen vs Hungary Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 15.0%
- Sales Tax: 27.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Ft 3,600,000
- Unemployment: 4.0%
- Population: 201,432
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 24°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: Ft40,000,000
- 1BR Rent: Ft200000/mo
Cost of Living
Debrecen's cost of living index is 85 (Hungary average = 100).
| Category | Debrecen | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
| Housing | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Data source: KSH / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Ft40,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Ft200000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Ft250,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Ft26,666 |
Data source: Ingatlan.com / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Debrecen:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Ft15000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | Ft15248 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Ft5000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Ft5000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Ft2000 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | Ft42248 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: MEKH, MVM, Magyar Telekom 2025
Remote Work Score
Debrecen scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Debrecen has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F | 24°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 39°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 42°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Debrecen faces the following natural hazards:
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
River flooding along Danube and Tisza.
Hungary experiences occasional tornadoes.
Hungary experiences winter storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 15%
- Sales Tax: 27%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Debrecen per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Autumn break in October/November (1 week).
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Debrecen is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Hungarian Central Statistical Office (2022)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Debrecen, Hungary?
The cost of living index in Debrecen is 85, which is Lower the Hungary national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Debrecen?
The median home price in Debrecen is Ft40,000,000. The housing index is 88.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Debrecen is approximately Ft200000/mo.
Does Debrecen, HB have income tax?
Debrecen is in HB, which has an income tax rate of 15%.
What is the climate like in Debrecen?
Debrecen enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 24°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: KSH / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Ingatlan.com / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: KSH Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities MEKH, MVM, Magyar Telekom 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.