This 29-year-old man left the US for Budapest. Now he makes $120,000 – and pays $800 a month in rent
In 2014, I had a life-changing wake-up call: I survived an opioid overdose that landed me in the intensive care unit.
Hitting the rock bottom made me realize how lucky I am to be alive. I spent some time in my hometown, Memphis, focusing on recovering and staying sober. Once I felt settled, I needed to figure out my next move.
My friends know I’ve always wanted to live abroad and suggested that I consider teaching abroad. So in 2015, I signed up to online program My Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification is often required by schools that hire English teachers. I applied to 50 schools before receiving an offer from a school in Barcelona, Spain.
I spent a year teaching there before taking up my next position in Budapest, Hungary.
Ferenciek Square in Budapest’s 8th District
Photo: Francis Nayan
Two years in Budapest, I was tired of teaching and wanted to do something new. That’s when I decided to start my career as a freelance copywriter.
However, I have never been bored living in Budapest. In fact, it has been my home for almost six years now. Here’s how I started my journey abroad, as well as what my days look like and how much I spend:
Get residency in Hungary as a US citizen
After my teaching contract in Budapest ended, I returned to Memphis to develop my copywriting business. As soon as I built a solid client base, I returned to Hungary on a temporary tourist visa.
To live and work permanently in Hungary, you must be registered Residence permit to pursue profitable activity. The visa application process can be difficult to navigate, so I worked with a small group of immigration consultants I found through Hungarian Expats Facebook group. For $1,000, they helped translate, guided me through the required documents, and represented me when filing the paperwork.
First, I had to register as a sole proprietorship under KATA, a flat tax system where you pay a fixed amount every month – I pay $139 – to cover all obligations. your Hungarian taxes as a self-employed person. I must also provide documents such as proof of accommodation, health insurance and a business plan.
In January 2018, after three months of waiting, I was approved.
Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, Hungary.
Photo: Francis Nayan
I am so grateful to live in such an affordable city
Currently, my average income in Hungary is 10,000 USD per month. In addition to my copywriting business, I also sell ebooks and consult with people on how to be a digital nomad abroad.
Budapest is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is also very cheap compared to the cost of living in the US. RentCafe.com.
In Budapest, however, it’s easy to find a good deal. My apartment, which I found through a listing on Facebook, is more than 1,000 square feet, two floors and a terrace. For just $800 per month, my girlfriend and I live within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, bars, and some of the city’s most popular attractions.
Francis rents a 1,000-square-foot apartment in this building for just $800 a month.
Photo: Francis Nayan
Here is my breakdown of monthly expenses:
- Rent and utilities: $800
- Travel insurance (via SafetyWing): $42
- Health Insurance (via Generali): $9.25
- Grocery: $173
- Restaurants and takeaways: $186
- Leisure activities: $100
- Gym membership: $53
- Entertainment registration: $57
- KATA fee: $139
Total = 1,559.25 USD
I cook most of my meals at home, but will eat out about two to three times a week. Since my monthly expenses are affordable, I have enough money to travel whenever I want to have an adventurous escape. Over the past few months, I have visited Portugal, Greece, and even went home to see family in Memphis.
Since the cost of living in Budapest is so affordable for Francis, he is able to travel to scenic places like Portugal’s Douro Valley.
Photo: Francis Nayan
I also save about 20% monthly for long-term goals, like retirement and buying a home. I use Truebill application to track my spending and automatically transfer money to my savings account.
Budapest: What an ordinary day looks like
I start my day at 5:30 am. The first thing I did was make coffee for myself and my girlfriend.
Then I’ll take a 30-minute stroll through the gardens of the Hungarian National Museum and the charming streets of Budapest’s 8th arrondissement. Sometimes, I like to go a little further and walk through Budapest’s vibrant Central Market.
One interesting thing about Budapest is that it has a lot of English speakers, mostly locals and young expats, so getting around the city feels easy and safe.
Once I get back to my apartment, I’ll work for an hour or two before taking a break to practice Muay Thai at the gym 10 minutes’ walk from where I live. Then I can go home to do some more work.
For lunch, my girlfriend and I will cook at home or eat at a nearby restaurant. We love going to Loyola Cafe, a popular spot with locals for authentic Hungarian food. The bill is usually around $2.97 per person.
Lunch at Loyola cafe in Budapest is about 2.97 USD/person.
Photo: Francis Nayan
My workday ends at 3pm. I spend three to five hours a day at work. After turning off my laptop, I will take a walk around the district 7 neighborhood to see shops and street art.
Dinner usually includes home-cooked meals. Sometimes I’ll use the Wolt app if I want to get a slice of pizza or KFC delivered.
Csendes Cafe is a famous dilapidated bar in Budapest, Hungary.
Photo: Francis Nayan
Moving abroad was the best decision of my life
At 29, I don’t see myself going back to the US anytime soon. I love that there are so many affordable cities in Europe. Plus, it’s easy and inexpensive to travel to neighboring countries.
Stephen’s Church (Szent Istvan Bazilika), Hungary’s second largest church, is a cultural landmark in Budapest.
As international travel increases, I plan to take more trips abroad. Budapest is known for its cold winters, so I want to spend a few months elsewhere – somewhere tropical, perhaps Bali or somewhere in Mexico – next year.
Living abroad has taught me to be more independent and open to different cultures, religions and lifestyles. I have learned many languages and am very grateful for the friends I have made from all over the world.
Francis Nayan is a copywriter, author, and digital nomad consultant. Follow him on Twitter and Instagramand sign up his newsletter.
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