Last update: Oct 2026 Romania 75.1K

Cost of Living in Bistrita

For one person, living costs in Bistrita are estimated at $845 a month, including rent and utilities – 24% below the national average. Rent and utilities take more than a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Bistrita

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Bistrita actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $845 per month with rent, or $489 for everyday expenses alone.

$845 /mo

A couple spends around $1,288 per month with rent, or $866 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,288 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,730 per month with rent, or $1,243 without housing.

$1,730 /mo

Overall, Bistrita is about 39% below the global median. Within Europe, costs are well below average (52% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Bistrita? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.22 RON 29.44
$6.22 RON 29.44
$7.27 RON 34.38
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$31.58 RON 149
$25.26 RON 120
$52.6 RON 249
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.19 RON 29.28
$5.98 RON 28.29
$7.02 RON 33.20
Cappuccino
$2.23 RON 10.55
$1.49 RON 7.07
$3.10 RON 14.67
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.56 RON 7.38
$1.02 RON 4.85
$2.45 RON 11.58
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.37 RON 6.47
$1.03 RON 4.89
$2.06 RON 9.73
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.13 RON 10.06
$2.13 RON 10.06
$3.20 RON 15.12
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.19 RON 15.09
$1.91 RON 9.03
$3.19 RON 15.09
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.23 RON 5.82
$1.00 RON 4.75
$1.64 RON 7.78
White Bread (500g)
$1.05 RON 4.95
$0.82 RON 3.89
$1.43 RON 6.76
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.04 RON 4.90
$1.04 RON 4.90
$2.06 RON 9.76
Eggs
$2.67 RON 12.62
$1.27 RON 6.00
$3.81 RON 18.04
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.36 RON 30.08
$6.36 RON 30.08
$11.66 RON 55.2
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.23 RON 29.47
$4.70 RON 22.22
$6.83 RON 32.32
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.19 RON 53.0
$7.37 RON 34.86
$14.73 RON 69.7
Apples (1kg)
$0.87 RON 4.12
$0.51 RON 2.41
$1.03 RON 4.87
Banana (1kg)
$1.45 RON 6.88
$1.23 RON 5.81
$1.64 RON 7.76
Oranges (1kg)
$1.60 RON 7.57
$1.17 RON 5.55
$1.70 RON 8.05
Tomato (1kg)
$2.07 RON 9.78
$1.08 RON 5.11
$5.38 RON 25.44
Potato (1kg)
$0.80 RON 3.80
$0.43 RON 2.02
$0.85 RON 4.04
Onion (1kg)
$0.65 RON 3.06
$0.43 RON 2.04
$1.50 RON 7.10
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.06 RON 5.02
$0.70 RON 3.30
$1.48 RON 6.99
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.68 RON 3.20
$0.44 RON 2.07
$1.09 RON 5.17
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.48 RON 25.92
$4.84 RON 22.91
$6.31 RON 29.87
Wine (Bottle)
$5.15 RON 24.35
$4.11 RON 19.46
$9.26 RON 43.82
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.91 RON 4.30
$0.64 RON 3.05
$1.07 RON 5.08
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.08 RON 5.11
$1.08 RON 5.11
$2.58 RON 12.22
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.40 RON 1.90
$0.40 RON 1.90
$0.60 RON 2.85
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$21.19 RON 100
$18.01 RON 85.2
$21.19 RON 100
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.76 RON 3.58
$0.44 RON 2.06
$1.09 RON 5.15
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.75 RON 3.55
$0.65 RON 3.07
$1.08 RON 5.11
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.37 RON 34.88
$6.32 RON 29.88
$8.84 RON 41.84
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.54 RON 7.29
$1.33 RON 6.32
$2.06 RON 9.75
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.3K RON 129.0K
$27.3K RON 129.0K
$31.6K RON 149.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.1K RON 114.2K
$23.7K RON 112.1K
$25.1K RON 118.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$172 RON 812
$104 RON 491
$249 RON 1,179
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$5.53 RON 26.16
$3.30 RON 15.62
$8.24 RON 38.98
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$5.82 RON 27.54
$5.14 RON 24.33
$10.28 RON 48.66
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$39.75 RON 188
$36.29 RON 172
$41.48 RON 196
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$30.96 RON 146
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.20 RON 29.33
$5.17 RON 24.47
$8.27 RON 39.11
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$314 RON 1,485
$285 RON 1,348
$422 RON 1,997
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,963 RON 42.4K
$3,781 RON 17.9K
$18.9K RON 89.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.77 RON 179
$23.08 RON 109
$63.0 RON 298
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$26.48 RON 125
$12.61 RON 59.7
$42.02 RON 199
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$62.4 RON 295
$56.2 RON 266
$72.8 RON 344
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$72.6 RON 343
$24.59 RON 116
$102 RON 485
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$223 RON 1,055
$203 RON 962
$254 RON 1,202
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$185 RON 875
$165 RON 779
$205 RON 972
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$395 RON 1,868
$382 RON 1,807
$408 RON 1,930
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$315 RON 1,490
$314 RON 1,488
$316 RON 1,493
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,510 RON 7,146
$1,471 RON 6,959
$1,589 RON 7,520
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,175 RON 5,558
$1,128 RON 5,337
$1,268 RON 5,999
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,016 RON 4,805
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.73
5
7.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Bistrita $845
Accommodation & Living
$185
Groceries & Markets
$184
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$183
Eating Out
$124
Clothing & Footwear
$90
Sport & Entertainment
$52
Getting Around
$27

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $223, dropping to $185 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 22% of the average salary ($1,016) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,016. With monthly costs around $845, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,268.

Groceries cost around $184 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $32.00 – well below the European average of $73.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $21.19 – among the cheapest in Europe (average $49.00).

Cost Highlights

Internet is cheaper than 98% of cities in Europe

Rice is cheaper than 98% of cities in Europe

Imported beer is cheaper than 98% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
11:58 11:58 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
75,076
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to RON – Romanian Leu Converter

Romanian Leu exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 4.73 RON (1 RON = 0.211 USD). 1 EUR = 5.32 RON (1 RON = 0.188 EUR).

On the map
From you
  • Bistrita

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

Bistrita Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Bistrita - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of Bistrita, Romania compare for short stays and longer relocations?
Compared with larger Romanian cities, Bistrita tends to feel more approachable for longer stays and flexible schedules. You’ll notice a gentler pace, with value concentrated in housing options, groceries, and everyday services. For travelers and remote workers, the appeal is stability, local character, and a sense of community. In older neighborhoods you may find charming, walkable streets; newer areas can offer quieter housing with practical access to transit. Overall, the Cost of Living in Bistrita, Romania is generally competitive within the region, rewarding prudent housing choices and season-aware budgeting. Tip: Start with a week-long neighborhood scouting plan to compare rents, markets, and transport options.
What does daily life look like for someone relocating to Bistrita, including housing search, groceries, transit, coworking, and errands?
In daily life, you’ll find housing options that range from compact flats in the old town to modest houses in quieter neighborhoods, with flexibility depending on length of stay. Local markets and small grocers offer fresh produce and bread, making everyday meals approachable on a practical budget. Public transport is workable for errands and commuting, while walking and biking keep you nimble in town centers. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi provide comfortable work settings, if you’re not trading from a dedicated office. The Bistrita, Romania living cost tends to be balanced for those who curtail luxury imports and favor home-cooked meals. Tip: schedule a midweek tour to compare leases, transit routes, and grocery prices.
How does that impact quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit across seasons?
Quality of life hinges on balance between quiet evenings in welcoming neighborhoods and easy access to outdoor escapes. Adopt a simple budgeting framework: separate fixed costs (housing, utilities) from flexible ones (eating out, transit), then adjust with the seasons. In summer, outdoor cafes and river walks add low-cost leisure; winter requires careful heating habits and layering wardrobe choices. Neighborhoods near the old town center usually mix convenience with walkability, while outer areas offer longer stays and calmer streets. By prioritizing a neighborhood that fits your pace and work pattern, you can sustain a comfortable routine. Tip: keep a small folder of local services to speed up errands and repairs.
Is Bistrita expensive to live in?
By most standards, Bistrita is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $845, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Bistrita?
In Bistrita, housing takes around 22% of a typical salary – close to the global norm of 30%. Most full-time workers can afford a decent apartment and still cover their other bills without too much stress.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Bistrita?
You'll want at least $1,268 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Bistrita. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Bistrita?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Bistrita runs about $223 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $185. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Bistrita?
Food in Bistrita is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $184 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How much is public transport in Bistrita?
Getting around Bistrita by public transport costs about $21.19 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can you live on $800 a month in Bistrita?
$800 a month in Bistrita? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $845, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Bistrita good for digital nomads?
Digital nomads flock to Bistrita for good reason: fast internet, vibrant nightlife, clean air. Monthly costs land around $845 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.
How affordable is Bistrita?
Bistrita is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $845 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

Bistrita vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities

Show times on the 12-hour clock, temperatures in °F and distances in miles?