Cost of Living in Romania - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Romania
Address: RO

Monthly Cost of Living

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $1,032 including rent across Romania.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,581 including rent across Romania.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,130 including rent across Romania.

Living costs in Romania vary widely – from $802 in more affordable cities to $1,374 in major hubs, spanning a $572 range across 77 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.40 RON 51.6

$6.85 RON 30.99

$18.25 RON 82.6

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$46.17 RON 209

$34.63 RON 157

$92.3 RON 418

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.85 RON 35.54

$6.73 RON 30.47

$8.97 RON 40.61

Cappuccino

$2.89 RON 13.07

$1.60 RON 7.25

$4.59 RON 20.77

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.95 RON 8.82

$1.12 RON 5.07

$3.36 RON 15.21

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.86 RON 8.41

$1.16 RON 5.26

$2.79 RON 12.62

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.79 RON 12.62

$1.39 RON 6.31

$4.18 RON 18.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.47 RON 15.70

$2.31 RON 10.46

$4.63 RON 20.97

Milk (1 liter)

$1.61 RON 7.28

$1.17 RON 5.30

$2.34 RON 10.60

White Bread (500g)

$1.22 RON 5.52

$0.79 RON 3.58

$2.02 RON 9.14

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.80 RON 8.13

$1.17 RON 5.31

$2.58 RON 11.68

Eggs

$3.35 RON 15.16

$2.16 RON 9.77

$4.50 RON 20.37

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.94 RON 40.46

$5.79 RON 26.22

$13.90 RON 62.9

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.86 RON 31.02

$4.42 RON 19.98

$8.13 RON 36.77

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.17 RON 50.6

$6.97 RON 31.53

$17.41 RON 78.8

Apples (1kg)

$1.18 RON 5.35

$0.68 RON 3.07

$1.81 RON 8.20

Banana (1kg)

$1.61 RON 7.29

$1.36 RON 6.13

$2.26 RON 10.22

Oranges (1kg)

$1.65 RON 7.47

$1.16 RON 5.27

$2.56 RON 11.59

Tomato (1kg)

$2.23 RON 10.10

$1.16 RON 5.23

$3.47 RON 15.69

Potato (1kg)

$0.92 RON 4.16

$0.57 RON 2.57

$1.35 RON 6.11

Onion (1kg)

$0.97 RON 4.41

$0.67 RON 3.04

$1.34 RON 6.08

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.00 RON 4.51

$0.61 RON 2.75

$1.45 RON 6.55

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.81 RON 3.66

$0.56 RON 2.53

$1.22 RON 5.53

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.24 RON 28.23

$5.78 RON 26.15

$6.93 RON 31.37

Wine (Bottle)

$6.72 RON 30.40

$4.48 RON 20.26

$10.07 RON 45.59

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.12 RON 5.05

$0.79 RON 3.59

$1.80 RON 8.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.79 RON 8.10

$1.16 RON 5.24

$2.78 RON 12.57

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.80 RON 3.61

$0.68 RON 3.07

$1.13 RON 5.12

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$22.67 RON 103

$18.13 RON 82.1

$34.00 RON 154

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.91 RON 4.10

$0.68 RON 3.07

$1.13 RON 5.12

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.70 RON 3.16

$0.59 RON 2.68

$0.99 RON 4.50

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.04 RON 36.40

$5.96 RON 26.99

$11.85 RON 53.7

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.65 RON 7.46

$1.53 RON 6.90

$1.83 RON 8.28

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$28.2K RON 127.8K

$27.8K RON 126.0K

$28.9K RON 131.0K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$27.0K RON 122.1K

$26.0K RON 117.5K

$30.6K RON 138.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$161 RON 727

$114 RON 515

$259 RON 1,170

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$8.42 RON 38.10

$4.63 RON 20.93

$13.87 RON 62.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$9.59 RON 43.39

$6.77 RON 30.63

$16.91 RON 76.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.78 RON 198

$27.17 RON 123

$67.9 RON 307

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$20.48 RON 92.7

$11.31 RON 51.2

$33.93 RON 154

Cinema Ticket

$8.30 RON 37.55

$5.93 RON 26.84

$11.85 RON 53.6

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$491 RON 2,224

$340 RON 1,540

$794 RON 3,593

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$10.0K RON 45.3K

$6,868 RON 31.1K

$19.0K RON 86.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$68.8 RON 311

$29.61 RON 134

$121 RON 546

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.83 RON 189

$23.41 RON 106

$70.2 RON 318

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$82.4 RON 373

$57.1 RON 258

$114 RON 517

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$92.7 RON 420

$69.0 RON 312

$138 RON 624

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$495 RON 2,242

$348 RON 1,576

$812 RON 3,677

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$356 RON 1,611

$229 RON 1,034

$571 RON 2,586

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$823 RON 3,726

$521 RON 2,359

$1,382 RON 6,256

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$603 RON 2,728

$406 RON 1,838

$1,039 RON 4,701

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,582 RON 11.7K

$1,640 RON 7,421

$4,496 RON 20.3K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,891 RON 8,560

$1,307 RON 5,914

$3,294 RON 14.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,065 RON 4,818

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.84

5.59

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

Last update: June 8, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $392 across Romania. For reference, capital rent is $644 in Bucharest, and $209 in Miercurea Ciuc.

National average salary: $891. With average costs at $1,032, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $205 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $44.00 for two.

In Bucharest (capital), expect about $1,331 per month, while Miercurea Ciuc offers the lowest costs at $802 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($1,032) is 23% below the global median of $1,344.

Average rent ($392) is 37% below the global median of $626.

Public transport ($20.00) is 39% below the global median of $33.00.

By City in Romania

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Alba Iulia	63536	48	$558	$955	$1,457	$1,933	60.71	231.2
2	Alexandria	45434	43	$508	$847	$1,124	$1,970	94.28	259.74
3	Arad	159074	44	$534	$880	$1,244	$1,869	299.13	302.01
4	Bacau	144307	45	$615	$899	$1,651	$2,010	32.5	295.75
5	Baia Mare	123738	44	$589	$887	$1,591	$1,967	109.19	249.47
6	Baia Sprie	11735	49	$545	$977	$1,540	$1,912	204.68	275.33
7	Barlad	77518	52	$645	$1,027	$1,392	$2,131	25.01	253.78
8	Bistrita	75076	46	$509	$902	$1,358	$1,991	234.54	300.31
9	Bolintin-Vale	12000	57	$767	$1,151	$1,593	$2,327	236.49	164.89
10	Botosani	106847	52	$597	$1,061	$1,567	$2,086	210.36	270.56
11	Bragadiru	15000	57	$643	$1,127	$1,924	$2,477	105.92	294.77
12	Braila	180302	55	$598	$1,075	$1,773	$2,246	344.89	269.04
13	Brasov	253200	64	$783	$1,262	$1,512	$2,579	22.03	275.92
14	Bucharest	1883425	67	$724	$1,331	$1,974	$3,000	77.6	320.25
15	Buzau	115494	55	$652	$1,124	$1,631	$2,081	124.83	239.01
16	Buzias	7000	56	$760	$1,114	$1,812	$2,341	70.59	205.05
17	Calafat	18500	52	$544	$1,053	$1,562	$2,030	217.87	109.49
18	Calarasi	65181	50	$529	$975	$1,683	$2,001	51.9	251.11
19	Campina	41554	53	$543	$1,076	$1,383	$2,157	51.32	293.02
20	Carei	25911	52	$654	$1,019	$1,463	$2,149	241.26	244.17
21	Chitila	10866	58	$733	$1,152	$1,736	$2,505	30.63	274.79
22	Cluj-Napoca	324576	70	$611	$1,374	$1,843	$2,848	63.39	331.04
23	Constanta	283872	66	$648	$1,300	$2,125	$2,947	284.14	264.33
24	Craiova	269506	56	$598	$1,115	$1,474	$2,163	68.5	262.58
25	Cugir	28780	48	$575	$945	$1,366	$1,856	59.03	262.61
26	Dealu	3800	56	$635	$1,120	$1,900	$2,292	36.06	118.26
27	Deva	61123	44	$450	$871	$1,285	$1,741	153.45	284.13
28	Dorohoi	32778	51	$526	$1,018	$1,330	$2,007	126.42	214.37
29	Drobeta-Turnu Severin	92617	54	$710	$1,053	$2,016	$2,459	30.47	241.37
30	Focsani	97186	48	$441	$973	$1,541	$2,003	117.07	252.78
31	Galati	249432	56	$538	$1,118	$1,761	$2,327	101.93	255.36
32	Giurgiu	61353	57	$605	$1,132	$1,817	$2,350	187.8	250.46
33	Hunedoara	78675	42	$555	$847	$1,234	$1,690	60.11	259.68
34	Iasi	290422	57	$644	$1,123	$1,525	$2,288	71.48	333.42
35	Iernut	9000	51	$572	$1,046	$1,574	$2,046	15.75	253.99
36	Lehliu Gara	6000	53	$617	$1,048	$1,581	$2,145	199.85	194.52
37	Lugoj	49742	42	$549	$827	$1,149	$1,700	124.21	188.29
38	Mamaia	441	52	$590	$1,015	$1,534	$2,096	257.36	255.76
39	Mangalia	36364	52	$576	$1,043	$1,586	$2,099	36.22	275.97
40	Medias	53564	56	$614	$1,120	$1,796	$2,283	102.78	283.08
41	Miercurea Ciuc	38966	40	$553	$802	$1,272	$1,763	212.29	212.32
42	Miroslava	11000	54	$563	$1,050	$1,603	$2,160	122.24	333.84
43	Odorheiu Secuiesc	34275	53	$518	$1,066	$1,487	$2,086	64.12	203.18
44	Onesti	57333	49	$575	$962	$1,493	$1,959	32.11	204.21
45	Oradea	196367	54	$572	$1,085	$1,358	$2,178	254.76	300.54
46	Pascani	35897	57	$638	$1,116	$1,945	$2,301	154.85	233.39
47	Petrosani	51476	57	$673	$1,152	$1,743	$2,292	96.51	282.58
48	Piatra Neamt	85055	47	$707	$922	$1,716	$1,968	313.07	324.88
49	Pitesti	155383	53	$672	$1,076	$1,753	$2,080	144.93	269.77
50	Ploiesti	224406	55	$545	$1,099	$1,609	$2,171	46.37	290.84

Romania Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Romania - Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

Romania covers a wide cost spectrum. As of 2026, monthly expenses run from about $802 in budget-friendly smaller cities to $1,374 in the priciest areas. The gap is big enough to meaningfully affect lifestyle for anyone on a fixed income.

By international standards, Romania is moderately priced. Smaller cities offer better deals, while capitals run higher. Most visitors and residents find costs manageable without extreme budgeting.

Outside the capital and tourist areas, costs in Romania drop fast. Miercurea Ciuc is one of the best budget options – lower costs without giving up access to essential services and everyday amenities.

$2,000 supports a modest but comfortable life in Romania's smaller cities, but feels tight in Bucharest. Rent is the deciding factor – keep housing costs low and the rest of the budget opens up.

Living costs in Romania are average by world standards. Regional cities offer better value than Bucharest, and most residents with steady jobs or remote income find things manageable.