Cost of Living in Iasi - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,137 per month with rent, or $550 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,720 per month with rent, or $1,161 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,303 per month with rent, or $1,773 without housing.

Overall, Iasi is 15–18% below the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are well below average (36% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.52 RON 47.59
$8.18 RON 37.03
$16.36 RON 74.1
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$51.4 RON 232
$35.02 RON 158
$70.0 RON 317
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.73 RON 30.46
$6.73 RON 30.46
$8.97 RON 40.60
Cappuccino
$2.68 RON 12.13
$1.62 RON 7.34
$4.88 RON 22.08
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.08 RON 9.39
$1.16 RON 5.24
$2.78 RON 12.58
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.74 RON 7.88
$0.93 RON 4.19
$2.31 RON 10.47
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.46 RON 11.12
$1.34 RON 6.06
$3.57 RON 16.17
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.42 RON 15.47
$2.28 RON 10.31
$4.57 RON 20.67
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.40 RON 6.33
$1.08 RON 4.90
$2.05 RON 9.30
White Bread (500g)
$1.22 RON 5.51
$0.91 RON 4.12
$1.82 RON 8.25
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.87 RON 8.45
$0.93 RON 4.23
$3.27 RON 14.79
Eggs
$3.21 RON 14.51
$2.23 RON 10.08
$4.46 RON 20.16
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.95 RON 35.98
$5.70 RON 25.81
$11.40 RON 51.6
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.70 RON 30.32
$4.31 RON 19.50
$7.93 RON 35.88
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.99 RON 49.71
$7.43 RON 33.61
$13.93 RON 63.0
Apples (1kg)
$1.24 RON 5.61
$0.83 RON 3.75
$1.65 RON 7.46
Banana (1kg)
$1.62 RON 7.33
$1.41 RON 6.36
$2.34 RON 10.60
Oranges (1kg)
$1.73 RON 7.84
$1.13 RON 5.12
$2.27 RON 10.29
Tomato (1kg)
$1.97 RON 8.90
$1.17 RON 5.28
$2.57 RON 11.61
Potato (1kg)
$0.99 RON 4.48
$0.71 RON 3.22
$1.42 RON 6.44
Onion (1kg)
$1.05 RON 4.73
$0.70 RON 3.17
$1.40 RON 6.34
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.04 RON 4.68
$0.47 RON 2.11
$1.63 RON 7.39
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.86 RON 3.89
$0.71 RON 3.20
$1.41 RON 6.39
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.37 RON 28.85
$5.67 RON 25.65
$7.08 RON 32.05
Wine (Bottle)
$6.61 RON 29.92
$4.62 RON 20.92
$13.22 RON 59.8
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.09 RON 4.95
$0.91 RON 4.11
$1.60 RON 7.23
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.98 RON 8.96
$1.17 RON 5.31
$3.52 RON 15.94
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.85 RON 3.84
$0.85 RON 3.84
$0.96 RON 4.36
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$27.13 RON 123
$24.87 RON 113
$36.17 RON 164
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.89 RON 4.03
$0.78 RON 3.51
$1.11 RON 5.04
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.70 RON 3.16
$0.60 RON 2.73
$0.90 RON 4.08
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.84 RON 35.48
$6.72 RON 30.42
$11.20 RON 50.7
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.66 RON 7.51
$1.51 RON 6.83
$1.85 RON 8.38
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.5K RON 129.2K
$28.5K RON 129.2K
$28.7K RON 130.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.3K RON 123.7K
$26.2K RON 118.6K
$29.1K RON 131.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$156 RON 708
$92.7 RON 420
$255 RON 1,154
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.47 RON 38.35
$4.68 RON 21.20
$11.70 RON 52.9
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$10.21 RON 46.22
$7.08 RON 32.04
$14.16 RON 64.1
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$47.10 RON 213
$34.59 RON 157
$69.2 RON 313
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.25 RON 82.6
$11.40 RON 51.6
$22.82 RON 103
Cinema Ticket
$8.17 RON 36.99
$7.01 RON 31.71
$9.34 RON 42.27
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$463 RON 2,095
$342 RON 1,545
$637 RON 2,885
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,028 RON 31.8K
$4,735 RON 21.4K
$11.6K RON 52.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$62.3 RON 282
$34.77 RON 157
$104 RON 472
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$42.79 RON 194
$29.76 RON 135
$68.7 RON 311
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$86.4 RON 391
$58.4 RON 264
$175 RON 793
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$86.9 RON 393
$68.2 RON 309
$159 RON 721
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$474 RON 2,147
$348 RON 1,575
$578 RON 2,616
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$361 RON 1,635
$293 RON 1,324
$468 RON 2,119
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$750 RON 3,395
$589 RON 2,665
$942 RON 4,264
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$550 RON 2,491
$469 RON 2,123
$706 RON 3,194
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,076 RON 13.9K
$2,701 RON 12.2K
$3,388 RON 15.3K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,997 RON 9,036
$1,642 RON 7,431
$2,679 RON 12.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,191 RON 5,389
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
7.37
6
9

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $474, dropping to $361 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 40% of the average salary ($1,191) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,191. With monthly costs around $1,137, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,706.

Groceries cost around $212 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $51.0 – well below the European average of $75.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $27.13 – among the cheapest in Europe (average $48.00).

Cost Highlights

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is cheaper than 91% of cities in Europe

Iasi is cheaper than 61% of cities worldwide and 81% within Europe.

Iasi Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Iasi - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Iasi compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value there?
Compared with many Western or larger Eastern European cities, Iasi offers a notably lower price floor for daily essentials and activities, which translates into a comfortable rhythm for long stays. The Cost of Living in Iasi, Romania tends to favor those who prioritize moderate rents, local markets, and slower-paced leisure. Expect affordable, cafe-friendly social life, reasonable public transit, and a compact city center that is easy to navigate on foot or bike. For digital nomads, you'll find reasonable coworking options and flexible short-term leases. Still, salaries in the local market can influence where you're comfortable. Tip: Align your budget with a weekly plan that accounts for transit, groceries, and occasional treats.
What does daily life look like in Iasi, Romania: housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Finding a place in Iasi blends negotiating with landlords and scoping out neighborhoods by lifestyle. In central areas, rents are usually steadier while fringe districts offer more space for the same price. Local markets and bakeries provide fresh, affordable fare, and weekly festivals give a taste of seasonal produce. For mobility, buses cover the city well, with affordable charges and reliable schedules; cycling is practical in milder months. Co-working spaces are common near university hubs, often with flexible day passes. Errands are simple thanks to compact streets and ample shops. Iasi, Romania living cost varies by area, so map your commutes with your daily routine in mind. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to judge neighborhoods and transit around your routine.
What strategies help with budgeting, seasonal changes, and finding a neighborhood that fits for quality of life?
Quality of life in Iasi favors those who build routines around the university calendar, cafe culture, and local markets. Set a budgeting framework that prioritizes rent, utilities, and transit, with a buffer for occasional social outings. Seasonal shifts show up in heating needs in winter and lighter outdoor activities in summer; adjust expectations accordingly. To find a neighborhood fit, try a baseline stint in a few districts - do a week of errands, meals, and coworking in each. Safety, access to green spaces, and proximity to services matter more than flashy amenities. Tip: Outline a simple 3-tier plan: essentials, flexible spends, and a small splurge, then adjust monthly.
What are the monthly living expenses in Iasi as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Iasi should plan on about $1,137 per month with rent, or $550 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is the cost of living in Iasi reasonable?
Iasi is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,137. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What is the average net income after taxes in Iasi?
After taxes, the average worker in Iasi takes home about $1,191 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
Is Iasi a good place to find cheap rent?
Rent is one of Iasi's biggest advantages – 1-bedroom apartments range from $361 to $474 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
How expensive is preschool in Iasi per month?
Private kindergarten in Iasi costs about $463 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Iasi?
Expect to pay about $47.10 per month for a gym in Iasi – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Iasi?
$2,000 is below the $1,137 average in Iasi, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What are the pros and cons of living in Iasi?
Quality of life in Iasi is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, and monthly costs hover around $1,137. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Iasi affordable for the average person?
Iasi is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,137, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
Can budget travelers get by in Iasi?
Iasi is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $1,137, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.

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