what is ur definition of everything, like a maid, cook, food.. or rent/utilities/internet

rent/utilities/internet. And I should have mentioned that 500-600 is in USD not euros . . . so closer to 350-400 euros. A maid/cook I imagine will be very inexpensive, something in the range of about 2-3 euros/hour, as average rental costs for cheaper places are in the 100 euro/month range.

Ok some final observations on budapest:

- - the language barrier is not a major issue. I speak not a lick of hungarian (i know how to say "hello" and "cheers."; that's it. Literally.), but have not yet had any issues finding places, getting directions, communicating with girls, ordering food, etc.

- - there is plenty of good food to be had. There isn't a ton of diversity as far as types of cuisines, but what exists is quite good. Though, if you can't live without seafood or sushi, you will probably be unhappy.

- - the city is much cleaner and safer than you would probably imagine. The subway/underground is as clean - if not cleaner - than in the US. Public transportation is quite efficient and inexpensive, though so are taxis (assuming you don't hail a random taxi; always call). There is not trash on the streets as there is in much of south america. There aren't tons of beggars like there are in Paris and major US cities. There is literally ZERO violent crime; guns are illegal in hungary, and there aren't really any violent gangs. Outside of graffiti and petty theft of bicycles, I haven't seen anything that should worry a traveler. I have walked late at night through parks, only to find happy friendly people on bicycles.

- - nightlife is awesome! Girls are pretty hot on average, and always very happy to talk to you once they realize you are a westerner. There are no open container laws, which is such a nice contrast compared to the US/Canada. It's surprisingly liberating to be able to go to a park or walk the streets with friends and just drink openly. There are tons of fun bars, and they are all quite cheap.

- - the city is breathtaking! If you like beautiful cities, baroque and ornate structures, scenic walkways and all that jazz, you will love budapest. Walking around at night is very comparable to walking around somewhere like Paris. The Danube is essentially a bigger version of the Seine

- - like everything else, the cost of living is quite inexpensive. I detail that in my last post.

That's about it. If you want to know more about me, you can add me on facebook (shane wittes), or just ask via PM. Also, I am "thegr8str8" on skype.

I was considering moving to Budapest this autumn (lived there for few years already). Will probably not do it, but it is still an option. Anyway, I am coming to Budapest for a few days end of August. If you wanna go out and get a beer or something around September 1st or 2nd, I will be happy to go.

fuhshizzle

as a hungarian living in Budapest I agree with most of what thegr8str8 wrote, just a couple of notes:

it IS illegal to drink alcohol in public although the law isn't enforced usually. Like we were drinking on the stairs of a museum one friday night and a policeman saw us and told us that we should move to an area where the cameras cannot see us...

Unfortunately violent crimes do happen on the streets although they are pretty rare. It hasnt occurred to me yet but several friends of mine have had their valuables taken and/or got beaten up. I mean I don't worry about this when I go out but it is not unheard of. The frequented places/streets are safe though for the most part even at night.

There are a couple of sushi places in Budapest for example Wasabi, Planet sushi, Leroy. And you could find places where they offer other seafood as well but yes it pretty uncommon and atypical.

have you heard of this law EVER being enforced? I'm just curious. I feel like I've been drinking in all of the most public places I could possibly imagine, including on at least one occasion where there were police walking by.

PM sent

So the language barrier is not much of an issue?

Warning: Hungarian is one of the toughest languages in the western world to learn. It's most closely related to Finnish due to viking invasions on the Danube back in the day.

Other than that it seems pretty sick though. People need to start more communities in Eastern Europe.

Don't get me wrong . . . I've been here a week, been hanging out with tons of hungarians and listening to them talk . . . . and I can speak like 2 or 2.5 words. The language itself is basically impossible to learn or understand. But seeing as we are all 20 somethings, and we mainly are trying to communicate with other 20 somethings (see: girls) . . . most - if not all - of the young people I have talked to here speak decent english.

Hungarian is actually possible to learn - it is harder than learning English of course, but I do not think it is much harder than French or German.

I do not think that is an issue ITT though - whereever you go (where they speak different language than English), you will never understand their language. You may pick up few words and phrases after some time, but will not "learn" the language - unless you actively study it. What I am trying to say is that it is the same with any other language/country.

. . . i think you get the gist of what I'm trying to say. It's basically no different than if you were to move to somewhere like france, italy, peru, etc. . .

yeah, I was not arguing Just stating my opinion - which is probably very similar to yours anyway..

WOO HOO!!! I found a big apartment downtown and filled it with two other 2+2ers (ottocat01 and gimmethaloot). If anyone else is interested in joining us out here I found an AMAZING realtor who can set you up in a furnished apartment w/ everything (see: internet) ready to go upon your arrival. PM or skype me for any info! Once again, thank you 2+2 for facilitating this process!

pics? how much did it end up costing? how much did the agent cost?