A recent study by MBH Bank shows that the best places to live in 2024 will be the areas around Budapest, Debrecen and Pannonhalma.
MBH Bank has conducted its fourth Quality of Living Survey, which analyses factors that influence demand in the housing market. Once again this year, Budapest leads the ranking, followed by Debrecen. Pannonhalma County took third place, while Budakeszi County moved up from seventh to fourth place. Pilisvörösvár, Bácsalmás, Dunakeszi and Veszprém counties are also in the top ten, where Kisbér and Érd counties could return after 2022. Győr was in 11th place this year, Pécs and surroundings in 13th place and Szeged in 14th place.
Significant regional differences
The study shows clear regional differences. The counties in the north-east of the country have the lowest values. In the south, around the capital and in the north-west, there are several districts with higher scores. In the education sector, Budapest and the western and southern parts of the country perform better. In the north and east, the larger cities tend to have higher values. In terms of health indicators, the top three places are unchanged compared to last year, with Budapest in first place, followed by Pécs and Gyula. Overall, health scores are better in the southern districts of the country. In the area of culture, the major cities of Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged and Pécs offer the most opportunities, and the locations around Lake Balaton are also rated highly in this area.
Labour market and housing
The study reveals considerable differences in labour market opportunities. The north-western regions and Budapest perform significantly better than the southern and eastern parts of the country. There were no significant changes in the affordability of housing compared to last year. The counties around Lake Balaton are once again at the bottom of the list due to high housing prices in relation to income, and Budapest is once again one of the ten least affordable areas. In terms of crime statistics, the larger cities continue to perform worst.
Quality of life in large cities
Budapest also leads the ranking for quality of life. Veszprém is in second place, Pécs in third and Győr in fourth. Szekszárd, Székesfehérvár, Szombathely, Szeged, Debrecen and Zalaegerszeg are also in the top ten. Salgótarján is once again the most affordable city, followed by Miskolc and Békéscsaba. In terms of health, Pécs came out on top, followed by Miskolc and Veszprém.
