Is life cheaper beyond Komárom? – Hungarian shoppers flock to Slovakia to save money

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 05. 07. 11:57

According to a recent investigation by Mfor.hu, shoppers from Hungary are increasingly traveling to Komárno, Slovakia, to purchase household goods and groceries at lower prices. Even during the pre-Easter shopping rush, parking lots were filled with Hungarian license plates—and for good reason: many products are noticeably cheaper across the border.

In the days leading up to Easter, Mfor.hu conducted an on-the-ground price comparison in Komárno (Slovakia), aiming to answer the question: is it really worth driving across the border for groceries? The short answer: yes, especially for those looking to save on non-price-regulated items. With organized shopping trips and active car-sharing groups, cross-border discount shopping has become a growing trend among Hungarian consumers.

Packed parking lots, Hungarian-speaking staff

At the Komárno Kaufland store, even seasoned Budapest shoppers were surprised by the crowds. Parking was tight, with every third or fourth car bearing a Hungarian plate. Despite the volume of shoppers, the atmosphere remained calm and orderly, with many store employees speaking Hungarian—a convenience not lost on the cross-border visitors. Shoppers were often seen calculating price conversions on their phones to make sure they were getting a real deal.

How do prices compare?

The investigation confirmed that—except for government-regulated food staples—many products are indeed cheaper in Slovakia. The lower VAT rate and varying retail strategies contribute to the savings.

Milk: In Hungary, 1.5% ESL milk at Lidl costs 342 HUF. In Slovakia, it’s €0.80, or ~326 HUF. However, some brands are actually more expensive abroad.
Butter: 250g ZLT Maslo costs €2.30 (~938 HUF) in Slovakia, while 250g of Pilos butter costs 919 HUF in Hungary—minimal difference.
Meat: Pork shoulder in Slovakia costs ~1424 HUF/kg, while in Hungary it ranges from 1539 HUF to 1789 HUF/kg, depending on the store.
Prepared salads: A 200g Parisian salad in Slovakia costs 298 HUF; a similar 150g product in Hungary costs 399 HUF.
Bakery items: A Kaiser roll in Slovakia costs just 41 HUF, compared to 48 HUF for a basic roll in Hungary.
Spirits: No major price advantage for wine, but some vodkas are cheaper.
Cigarettes: Up to 500–600 HUF cheaper per pack. Buying 12–15 packs may offset the fuel cost of a round trip from Budapest.

More than just lower prices—broader selection, too

Price isn’t the only reason Hungarians cross the border. Mfor.hu found that product variety is also better, especially in categories like pre-packed salads, fresh baked goods, and cold cuts. Loyalty cards from Slovak retailers such as Kaufland or Billa offer additional discounts, often stacking with existing promotions.

Is the trip worth it?

The round-trip from Budapest to Komárno is nearly 200 kilometers, costing roughly 7000 HUF in fuel. Even with this expense, the savings on a medium or large grocery run often justify the trip—especially if shared with others. Organized carpooling and dedicated cross-border shopping trips are on the rise.

According to Mfor.hu, the growing number of Hungarians shopping in Slovakia is not just a curiosity—it’s becoming a practical strategy in response to persistent inflation and price disparities.