1. Accommodation: Hotels, Hostels, and Short-Term Rentals
Budapest
- Mid-range hotel: €50–€80/night for a centrally located 3- or 4-star hotel (e.g., near Deák Ferenc Square).
- Hostel dorm bed: €10–€20/night in popular areas like the Jewish Quarter.
- Luxury stays: Five-star hotels like the Four Seasons Gresham Palace start at €250/night, half the price of similar Parisian properties.
Paris
- Mid-range hotel: €150–€250/night in central arrondissements (e.g., Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés).
- Hostel dorm bed: €30–€50/night near major attractions.
- Luxury stays: Iconic hotels like Le Meurice average €600+/night.
Berlin
- Mid-range hotel: €80–€120/night in Mitte or Kreuzberg.
- Hostel dorm bed: €15–€25/night.
- Luxury stays: The Ritz-Carlton costs around €250–€350/night.
Why Budapest Wins: Accommodation in Budapest costs 40–60% less than Paris and 20–30% less than Berlin. Even luxury stays are comparatively affordable.
2. Dining: Restaurants, Street Food, and Coffee
Budapest
- Traditional meal: €8–€15 for hearty dishes like goulash or chicken paprikash at a local étterem.
- Street food: €3–€5 for lángos (fried dough) or kürtőskalács (chimney cake).
- Fine dining: A Michelin-starred meal at Costes costs €80–€120 for a tasting menu, vs. €200+ in Paris.
- Coffee: €1.50–€3 at classic cafes like New York Café (yes, even the opulent ones!).
Paris
- Bistro meal: €18–€30 for steak frites or duck confit.
- Street food: €6–€10 for crêpes or falafel in Le Marais.
- Fine dining: €250+/person at Michelin 3-star restaurants like Epicure.
- Coffee: €4–€6 at a sidewalk café.
Berlin
- Casual meal: €10–€18 for currywurst or schnitzel at a trendy spot.
- Street food: €4–€7 for döner kebabs or vegan burgers.
- Fine dining: €80–€150 for a Michelin-starred experience at Facil.
- Coffee: €3–€5 in neighborhoods like Prenzlauer Berg.
Why Budapest Wins: A three-course meal in Budapest costs less than an appetizer in Paris. Even casual dining is 50–70% cheaper than in France or Germany.
3. Tourist Attractions: Museums, Landmarks, and Tours
Budapest
- Parliament tour: €15 (with EU citizen discount: €8).
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath: €20–€25 for a full-day ticket.
- Buda Castle: Free to explore the grounds; €10 for the history museum.
- Ruin bar crawl: €10–€20 for drinks at spots like Szimpla Kert.
Paris
- Eiffel Tower summit access: €28.
- Louvre Museum: €17 (pre-booked).
- Notre-Dame Tower: €10 (currently closed for renovation).
- Seine River cruise: €15–€30.
Berlin
- Berlin Wall Memorial: Free.
- Pergamon Museum: €12.
- Reichstag Dome: Free (with reservation).
- TV Tower: €23.50 for panoramic views.
Why Budapest Wins: Budapest’s attractions are 30–50% cheaper, and many historic sites (e.g., Fisherman’s Bastion) are free to visit. Thermal baths, a unique draw, offer better value than Paris’s crowded museums.
4. Transportation: Public Transit, Taxis, and Bike Rentals
Budapest
- 24-hour transit pass: €5.
- Taxi: €1.20/km (e.g., airport to city center: €25).
- Bike rental: €10/day.
Paris
- 24-hour transit pass: €13.20 (covers zones 1–3).
- Taxi: €1.70/km (airport to city center: €50–€60).
- Vélib’ bike rental: €5/day (with subscription).
Berlin
- 24-hour transit pass: €9.50 (AB zone).
- Taxi: €2/km (airport to city center: €35–€45).
- Bike rental: €12–€15/day.
Why Budapest Wins: Public transport in Budapest is 60% cheaper than Paris and 45% cheaper than Berlin.
5. Alcohol and Nightlife
- Budapest pint of beer: €1.50–€2.50 (ruin bars).
- Paris pint of beer: €6–€8 (tourist areas).
- Berlin pint of beer: €3.50–€5 (clubs in Friedrichshain).
- Hungarian wine: €3–€5/glass for Tokaji or Egri Bikavér.
Why Budapest Wins: Ruin bars offer iconic nightlife at backpacker prices.
Why Is Budapest Cheaper?
- Lower wages and living costs: Hungary’s economy is less affluent than France or Germany.
- Currency advantage: The Hungarian Forint (HUF) gives tourists stronger purchasing power.
- Tourism strategy: Budapest prioritizes affordability to attract budget travelers.
Budget Tips for All Three Cities
- Budapest: Buy a Budapest Card (€25/48 hours) for free transport and discounts.
- Paris: Visit museums on first Sundays (free entry) and picnic by the Seine.
- Berlin: Use the WelcomeCard (€23/48 hours) for transit and attraction deals.
Conclusion: Value for Money
While Paris dazzles with haute cuisine and Berlin thrills with avant-garde culture, Budapest delivers unparalleled affordability without sacrificing charm. A weekend in Budapest might cost €200–€300, compared to €500–€800 in Paris or €350–€600 in Berlin. For history buffs, foodies, and spa lovers on a budget, Hungary’s capital is the clear winner—proving that Eastern Europe’s gems can rival the West’s glamour at a fraction of the price.