Ordinary Hungarians saw their personal wealth grow faster than anyone else in Europe last year, according to a new report from UBS, the world’s largest wealth manager.
The Global Wealth Report 2025 found that median wealth per adult in Hungary rose by more than 18% in 2024—outpacing all 55 other countries analysed. Median wealth measures the midpoint of a population’s wealth, offering a clearer picture of how the average person is doing than simple averages, which can be distorted by billionaires.
By contrast, many traditionally wealthier Western European countries lagged far behind. France, Germany, and the UK recorded only modest growth in median wealth, while countries like the Netherlands and Austria even saw declines. Italy and Sweden were among the few Western nations to show strong gains, at nearly 15%.
UBS classifies Hungary as an emerging economy, but its performance last year suggests the financial health of everyday Hungarians is improving faster than in many richer countries. The report also found that Eastern Europe as a region saw the biggest overall increase in personal wealth globally, ahead of North America.
UBS’s report draws on data from the OECD, IMF, and other international bodies, covering 56 countries and over 90% of global wealth.
