Cost of Living in Romania - Updated Prices & Insights

47.36
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $654 (excluding rent), and $1,158 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,658 (excluding rent), and $2,389 including rent.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.56 RON 50.2
$6.94 RON 30.13
$18.5 RON 80.3
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$45.4 RON 197
$34.05 RON 148
$90.8 RON 394
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.14 RON 35.36
$6.98 RON 30.31
$9.31 RON 40.4
Cappuccino
$2.82 RON 12.26
$1.57 RON 6.81
$4.49 RON 19.49
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.03 RON 8.83
$1.17 RON 5.08
$3.51 RON 15.24
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.87 RON 8.1
$1.17 RON 5.06
$2.8 RON 12.15
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.7 RON 11.71
$1.35 RON 5.85
$4.05 RON 17.56
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.46 RON 15.04
$2.31 RON 10.03
$4.63 RON 20.09
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.6 RON 6.93
$1.16 RON 5.05
$2.32 RON 10.09
White Bread (500g)
$1.27 RON 5.51
$0.82 RON 3.57
$2.1 RON 9.12
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.79 RON 7.76
$1.17 RON 5.07
$2.57 RON 11.15
Eggs
$3.31 RON 14.37
$2.13 RON 9.26
$4.45 RON 19.31
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.82 RON 38.29
$5.71 RON 24.81
$13.71 RON 59.5
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.84 RON 29.72
$4.41 RON 19.14
$8.11 RON 35.23
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.12 RON 48.26
$6.93 RON 30.1
$17.33 RON 75.2
Apples (1kg)
$1.23 RON 5.32
$0.71 RON 3.06
$1.88 RON 8.16
Banana (1kg)
$1.61 RON 6.99
$1.35 RON 5.88
$2.26 RON 9.8
Oranges (1kg)
$1.65 RON 7.18
$1.17 RON 5.07
$2.57 RON 11.14
Tomato (1kg)
$2.16 RON 9.36
$1.12 RON 4.85
$3.35 RON 14.55
Potato (1kg)
$0.99 RON 4.29
$0.61 RON 2.64
$1.45 RON 6.29
Onion (1kg)
$0.99 RON 4.29
$0.68 RON 2.96
$1.37 RON 5.93
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.94 RON 4.06
$0.57 RON 2.48
$1.36 RON 5.9
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.85 RON 3.71
$0.59 RON 2.56
$1.29 RON 5.61
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.16 RON 26.74
$5.7 RON 24.76
$6.84 RON 29.71
Wine (Bottle)
$6.94 RON 30.15
$4.63 RON 20.11
$11.57 RON 50.2
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.16 RON 5.06
$0.83 RON 3.59
$1.88 RON 8.16
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.82 RON 7.92
$1.18 RON 5.11
$2.83 RON 12.27
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.83 RON 3.61
$0.71 RON 3.08
$1.18 RON 5.13
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$22.99 RON 99.8
$18.39 RON 79.9
$34.48 RON 150
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.95 RON 4.1
$0.71 RON 3.08
$1.18 RON 5.13
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.7 RON 3.05
$0.6 RON 2.59
$1 RON 4.35
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.64 RON 33.17
$5.66 RON 24.59
$11.26 RON 48.89
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.64 RON 7.13
$1.52 RON 6.6
$1.82 RON 7.92
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.9K RON 121K
$27.5K RON 119.3K
$28.6K RON 124.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.2K RON 118.3K
$26.2K RON 113.8K
$30.9K RON 134K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$161 RON 698
$114 RON 494
$258 RON 1,122
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$8.15 RON 35.37
$4.48 RON 19.43
$13.42 RON 58.3
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$9.75 RON 42.32
$6.88 RON 29.87
$17.19 RON 74.7
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$45.39 RON 197
$28.17 RON 122
$70.4 RON 306
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$20.95 RON 91
$11.56 RON 50.2
$34.7 RON 151
Cinema Ticket
$7.84 RON 34.02
$5.6 RON 24.31
$11.19 RON 48.58
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$500 RON 2,172
$346 RON 1,504
$808 RON 3,509
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$10K RON 43.6K
$6,886 RON 29.9K
$19.1K RON 82.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$70.4 RON 306
$30.31 RON 132
$124 RON 537
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$41.12 RON 179
$23.01 RON 99.9
$69 RON 300
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$83.8 RON 364
$58.1 RON 252
$116 RON 504
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$92.7 RON 402
$68.9 RON 299
$138 RON 599
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$482 RON 2,094
$339 RON 1,472
$791 RON 3,434
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$354 RON 1,536
$227 RON 986
$568 RON 2,466
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$849 RON 3,685
$537 RON 2,333
$1,425 RON 6,189
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$590 RON 2,560
$397 RON 1,725
$1,016 RON 4,412
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,525 RON 11K
$1,604 RON 6,962
$4,582 RON 19.9K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,830 RON 7,945
$1,282 RON 5,567
$2,982 RON 12.9K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,081 RON 4,694
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.84
5.59
9
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Cost of Living in Romania - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romania a good value for cost-conscious travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare overall to other parts of Europe?
Romania offers a mix of affordable basics and comfortable lifestyle options for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. The Cost of Living in Romania tends to be lower than in many Western cities, with price variation by city and neighborhood. Expect cheaper meals, transit, and local services outside the capital, while central hubs can feel pricier but still reasonable by global standards. Housing runs from modern serviced apartments to older, character-rich options, and long-term leases are common in major towns. Seasonal tourism and a growing coworking scene support flexible work and daily life. Tip: map out neighborhoods by vibe and amenities before choosing a base.
What does daily life look like for housing search, food options, transport, and coworking in Romania?
Daily life in Romania blends affordability with a rich local scene, especially around markets, cafes, and parks. Housing search typically centers on neighborhoods with good transit access; you’ll find a mix of newer rentals and charming, older buildings near universities or city centers. Food options range from inexpensive street meals to diverse grocery stores and farmers markets, making it easy to cook at home. Public transport is reliable in most cities, with occasional peak congestion seasonally around holidays. Co-working spaces and cafes support remote work. Romania living cost varies by city, so test a few spaces before committing. Tip: trial weekend errands to gauge neighborhood rhythms.
What are practical budgeting strategies, seasonal effects, and neighborhood fit to maximize your quality of life in Romania?
Quality of life in Romania can feel high when you tailor your budget to neighborhoods and seasonality. Consider a simple framework: secure a comfortable base housing while allocating allowance for groceries, utilities, and transport, with a flexible portion for activities and meals out. Off-season travel and local festivals can affect crowds and prices, so plan ahead for peak times in mountain towns or tourist spots. Neighborhood fit matters: look for near tram lines or bike-friendly streets, with easy access to supermarkets and coworking if you work remotely. Tip: join local expat groups to learn monthly rhythms and save by buying in bulk.
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