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 $1,038 including rent across Romania.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,597 including rent across Romania.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,155 including rent across Romania.

Living costs in Romania vary widely – from $760 in more affordable cities to $1,501 in major hubs, spanning a $741 range across 77 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$10.79 RON 49.12

$6.47 RON 29.45

$21.58 RON 98.2

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$44.42 RON 202

$33.32 RON 152

$88.9 RON 404

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.70 RON 35.06

$6.60 RON 30.04

$8.80 RON 40.07

Cappuccino

$2.93 RON 13.35

$1.55 RON 7.04

$4.64 RON 21.12

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

$2.07 RON 9.43

$1.33 RON 6.07

$3.34 RON 15.18

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.74 RON 7.93

$1.08 RON 4.93

$2.82 RON 12.82

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.40 RON 10.93

$1.31 RON 5.96

$4.36 RON 19.86

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.25 RON 14.79

$2.17 RON 9.86

$5.20 RON 23.67

Milk (1 liter)

$1.60 RON 7.27

$1.11 RON 5.06

$2.22 RON 10.12

White Bread (500g)

$1.27 RON 5.77

$0.83 RON 3.78

$2.01 RON 9.13

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.65 RON 7.50

$1.11 RON 5.06

$2.22 RON 10.13

Eggs

$3.45 RON 15.69

$2.15 RON 9.77

$4.56 RON 20.74

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.75 RON 39.85

$5.57 RON 25.34

$13.35 RON 60.8

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.62 RON 30.13

$4.15 RON 18.88

$8.72 RON 39.70

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.88 RON 49.52

$6.64 RON 30.24

$15.51 RON 70.6

Apples (1kg)

$1.22 RON 5.56

$0.65 RON 2.96

$1.74 RON 7.90

Banana (1kg)

$1.57 RON 7.15

$1.30 RON 5.90

$2.16 RON 9.83

Oranges (1kg)

$1.62 RON 7.36

$1.13 RON 5.12

$2.70 RON 12.30

Tomato (1kg)

$2.23 RON 10.17

$0.86 RON 3.92

$3.88 RON 17.66

Potato (1kg)

$0.82 RON 3.74

$0.42 RON 1.91

$1.26 RON 5.74

Onion (1kg)

$0.91 RON 4.13

$0.56 RON 2.55

$1.34 RON 6.12

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.90 RON 4.08

$0.43 RON 1.95

$1.29 RON 5.86

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.84 RON 3.80

$0.62 RON 2.84

$1.27 RON 5.77

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.33 RON 28.80

$5.46 RON 24.87

$6.98 RON 31.79

Wine (Bottle)

$6.55 RON 29.80

$4.37 RON 19.90

$9.83 RON 44.73

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.17 RON 5.35

$0.89 RON 4.06

$1.78 RON 8.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.71 RON 7.77

$1.11 RON 5.06

$2.89 RON 13.15

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.75 RON 3.40

$0.64 RON 2.91

$1.07 RON 4.85

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$24.46 RON 111

$17.79 RON 81.0

$40.03 RON 182

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.86 RON 3.92

$0.69 RON 3.15

$1.15 RON 5.25

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.80 RON 3.65

$0.69 RON 3.13

$1.15 RON 5.22

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.46 RON 33.94

$6.38 RON 29.02

$10.17 RON 46.30

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.84 RON 8.36

$1.56 RON 7.11

$2.11 RON 9.61

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

$29.2K RON 133.1K

$27.8K RON 126.7K

$29.2K RON 133.1K

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

$26.1K RON 119.0K

$25.1K RON 114.3K

$29.0K RON 131.8K

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

$166 RON 755

$110 RON 501

$264 RON 1,202

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

$8.19 RON 37.27

$4.13 RON 18.81

$14.13 RON 64.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$9.35 RON 42.57

$6.63 RON 30.16

$15.48 RON 70.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.38 RON 193

$26.32 RON 120

$65.8 RON 299

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.09 RON 86.9

$10.83 RON 49.29

$27.07 RON 123

Cinema Ticket

$7.63 RON 34.74

$5.46 RON 24.84

$10.91 RON 49.64

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

$502 RON 2,285

$331 RON 1,509

$773 RON 3,520

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$8,806 RON 40.1K

$5,447 RON 24.8K

$15.1K RON 68.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$72.5 RON 330

$27.55 RON 125

$110 RON 502

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.91 RON 182

$17.72 RON 80.7

$58.2 RON 265

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$84.8 RON 386

$56.0 RON 255

$117 RON 531

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$88.1 RON 401

$64.7 RON 294

$129 RON 589

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$498 RON 2,269

$335 RON 1,526

$782 RON 3,562

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$365 RON 1,662

$222 RON 1,009

$582 RON 2,651

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$814 RON 3,705

$516 RON 2,347

$1,330 RON 6,056

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$604 RON 2,748

$374 RON 1,705

$1,087 RON 4,950

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,597 RON 11.8K

$1,661 RON 7,559

$4,864 RON 22.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,887 RON 8,590

$1,301 RON 5,922

$3,542 RON 16.1K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,025 RON 4,668

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.99

5.9

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

Last update: September 15, 2026

Cost Breakdown

National average salary: $896. With average costs at $1,038, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $203 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $44.00 for two.

In Bucharest (capital), expect about $1,397 per month, while Petrosani offers the lowest costs at $760 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($1,038) is 24% below the global median of $1,368.

Average rent ($391) is 41% below the global median of $667.

Public transport ($22.00) is 35% below the global median of $34.00.

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	44	$471	$942	$1,302	$1,900	60.71	231.2
2	Alexandria	45434	42	$491	$902	$1,243	$1,900	94.28	259.74
3	Arad	159074	43	$548	$901	$1,368	$1,962	299.13	302.01
4	Bacau	144307	45	$689	$969	$1,909	$2,273	32.5	295.75
5	Baia Mare	123738	43	$606	$924	$1,505	$1,972	109.19	249.47
6	Baia Sprie	11735	44	$531	$950	$1,359	$1,955	204.68	275.33
7	Barlad	77518	48	$505	$1,028	$1,661	$2,073	25.01	253.78
8	Bistrita	75076	42	$472	$888	$1,142	$1,835	234.54	300.31
9	Bolintin-Vale	12000	56	$719	$1,175	$1,818	$2,526	236.49	164.89
10	Botosani	106847	43	$603	$943	$1,448	$1,797	210.36	270.56
11	Bragadiru	15000	53	$658	$1,135	$1,802	$2,420	105.92	294.77
12	Braila	180302	56	$733	$1,186	$1,810	$2,462	344.89	269.04
13	Brasov	253200	64	$700	$1,360	$1,812	$3,056	22.03	275.92
14	Bucharest	1883425	65	$735	$1,397	$1,917	$2,814	77.6	320.25
15	Buzau	115494	48	$598	$1,018	$1,252	$1,976	124.83	239.01
16	Buzias	7000	49	$623	$1,065	$1,601	$2,184	70.59	205.05
17	Calafat	18500	48	$535	$1,051	$1,359	$2,009	217.87	109.49
18	Calarasi	65181	43	$627	$915	$1,382	$1,925	51.9	251.11
19	Campina	41554	45	$672	$983	$1,637	$2,112	51.32	293.02
20	Carei	25911	49	$607	$1,034	$1,497	$2,148	241.26	244.17
21	Chitila	10866	53	$666	$1,131	$1,741	$2,435	30.63	274.79
22	Cluj-Napoca	324576	69	$759	$1,501	$1,948	$2,946	63.39	331.04
23	Constanta	283872	62	$671	$1,344	$1,744	$2,704	284.14	264.33
24	Craiova	269506	56	$604	$1,219	$1,483	$2,331	68.5	262.58
25	Cugir	28780	43	$502	$916	$1,192	$1,817	59.03	262.61
26	Dealu	3800	51	$689	$1,110	$1,928	$2,572	36.06	118.26
27	Deva	61123	42	$568	$903	$1,247	$1,869	153.45	284.13
28	Dorohoi	32778	49	$594	$1,036	$1,461	$2,144	126.42	214.37
29	Drobeta-Turnu Severin	92617	43	$626	$918	$1,578	$2,155	30.47	241.37
30	Focsani	97186	50	$605	$1,060	$1,505	$2,356	117.07	252.78
31	Galati	249432	51	$603	$1,086	$1,522	$2,307	101.93	255.36
32	Giurgiu	61353	54	$573	$1,149	$1,981	$2,361	187.8	250.46
33	Hunedoara	78675	37	$459	$791	$1,303	$1,646	60.11	259.68
34	Iasi	290422	61	$677	$1,275	$1,636	$2,564	71.48	333.42
35	Iernut	9000	45	$552	$955	$1,427	$2,034	15.75	253.99
36	Lehliu Gara	6000	49	$588	$1,068	$1,534	$2,193	199.85	194.52
37	Lugoj	49742	38	$592	$827	$1,332	$1,717	124.21	188.29
38	Mamaia	441	48	$598	$1,050	$1,538	$2,124	257.36	255.76
39	Mangalia	36364	52	$648	$1,111	$1,686	$2,309	36.22	275.97
40	Medias	53564	54	$662	$1,174	$1,712	$2,429	102.78	283.08
41	Miercurea Ciuc	38966	36	$443	$779	$1,090	$1,703	212.29	212.32
42	Miroslava	11000	48	$566	$1,023	$1,477	$2,087	122.24	333.84
43	Odorheiu Secuiesc	34275	54	$695	$1,177	$1,737	$2,351	64.12	203.18
44	Onesti	57333	52	$632	$1,115	$1,549	$2,265	32.11	204.21
45	Oradea	196367	48	$555	$1,033	$1,445	$2,032	254.76	300.54
46	Pascani	35897	51	$608	$1,100	$1,551	$2,235	154.85	233.39
47	Petrosani	51476	36	$584	$760	$1,372	$1,657	96.51	282.58
48	Piatra Neamt	85055	38	$573	$805	$1,157	$1,677	313.07	324.88
49	Pitesti	155383	63	$793	$1,341	$2,068	$2,712	144.93	269.77
50	Ploiesti	224406	52	$649	$1,127	$1,697	$2,320	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 $760 in budget-friendly smaller cities to $1,501 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. Petrosani 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 the smaller cities of Romania, 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.