Hungary narrows district wage gap as Budapest XII district tops median pay

The Central Statistical Office released the latest district‑level median net‑salary figures for Hungary. In the first quarter of 2026 the median wage in Budapest’s XII district rose to about 561,000 HUF, overtaking District II, which recorded just under 550,000 HUF. The overall disparity between the highest‑ and lowest‑earning districts fell from more than a two‑fold difference in 2025 to a ratio of 1.9, indicating a modest reduction in regional wage inequality.

The lowest median salary was reported in Sarkadi district, at below 296,000 HUF. Several of the previously lowest‑earning districts, notably Gönc and Cigánd, posted increases of over 20 % year‑on‑year, contributing to the narrowing gap. The data also highlighted that Budapest’s districts continue to lead the country in earnings, while many rural districts remain at the lower end of the scale.