GKI examined how net earnings evolved across municipalities in 2024. The nationwide average net income at the municipal level reached 474 thousand forints, an increase of 13.5% from 418 thousand forints a year earlier.
Net earnings were highest in Budapest, at 606 thousand forints, though growth there was the slowest, at 12%. In county seats and cities with county rights, average net earnings were markedly lower, at 504 thousand forints, but rose by 13.5% compared with the previous year. In other towns the average stood at 456 thousand forints, while in large villages and smaller settlements it was 407 thousand forints. The latter saw the fastest growth: in both types of settlement earnings increased by an average of 14%. Even so, disparities remain stark. Average net income in the capital is almost 50% higher than in villages, and exceeds that of cities with county rights by around 20%.
Broken down by county, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg recorded the lowest average income, at 374 thousand forints, while Pest county topped the ranking with 523 thousand forints. The highest net average earnings are found in and around Budapest, as well as in the areas of Győr, Paks and Székesfehérvár. By contrast, the lowest averages are concentrated in the south-western and north-eastern regions, particularly in smaller settlements. One caveat is worth noting. Earnings data for Budapest are distorted, as the incomes of people who work in the capital but are officially resident elsewhere are not recorded in Budapest’s statistics, but in those of their home settlements thereby inflating local averages outside the capital.
Net earnings by municipality in 2024 (thousand HUF)
Source: GKI calculation based on the NAV personal income tax database
There has, however, been some catch-up in the lowest-income regions. In percentage terms, wages rose more sharply in areas where pay had previously been lower – most notably in the south-western and eastern regions. This was driven by substantial increases in the minimum wage and the guaranteed minimum wage.
Change in net earnings by municipality in 2024 compared with 2023 (%)
Source: GKI calculation based on the NAV personal income tax database
Change in net earnings by municipality in 2024 compared with 2023 (thousand HUF)
Source: GKI calculation based on the NAV personal income tax database
This is reinforced by the fact that, although wages grew faster in lower-income settlements, the largest nominal increases were still recorded in higher-paying areas. The biggest cash gains occurred in and around Debrecen, Budapest, Székesfehérvár and Paks, while the smallest rises were seen in smaller settlements in the south-west and north-east.
Average monthly net earnings by type of settlement, 2024
| Settlement type | Net earnings
(thousand HUF) |
Change
(thousand HUF) |
Change
(2024/2023) |
| Capital | 606 | 65 | 11,9% |
| County seats and cities w/ county rights | 504 | 60 | 13,5% |
| Town | 456 | 56 | 14,0% |
| Village and large village | 407 | 50 | 14,0% |
| Total | 474 | 56 | 13,5% |
Average monthly net earnings by county, 2024
| County | Net earnings
(thousand HUF) |
Change
(thousand HUF) |
Change
(2024/2023) |
| Pest | 523 | 62,4 | 13,55% |
| Győr-Moson-Sopron | 509 | 53,8 | 11,82% |
| Fejér | 496 | 57,6 | 13,14% |
| Komárom-Esztergom | 495 | 56,4 | 12,87% |
| Vas | 466 | 51,3 | 12,40% |
| Veszprém | 457 | 50,9 | 12,55% |
| Csongrád-Csanád | 449 | 56,7 | 14,45% |
| Tolna | 444 | 56,2 | 14,46% |
| Heves | 438 | 51,3 | 13,26% |
| Hajdú-Bihar | 432 | 60,2 | 16,19% |
| Baranya | 426 | 53,2 | 14,26% |
