Cost of Living in Zalau - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Zalau
Address: Zalau, RO

22.1

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $520 (excluding rent), and $967 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,298 (excluding rent), and $1,878 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.9 RON 34.28

$6.77 RON 29.39

$15.34 RON 66.6

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$34.41 RON 149

$25.23 RON 110

$57.4 RON 249

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.74 RON 24.91

$8.03 RON 34.85

Cappuccino

$2.13 RON 9.23

$2.01 RON 8.74

$3.78 RON 16.4

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

$1.97 RON 8.57

$1.34 RON 5.83

$2.68 RON 11.66

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.71 RON 7.42

$1.12 RON 4.88

$2.25 RON 9.76

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.71 RON 11.77

$1.81 RON 7.85

$3.62 RON 15.7

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.8 RON 12.16

$4.68 RON 20.3

Milk (1 liter)

$1.47 RON 6.37

$1.03 RON 4.48

$2.05 RON 8.91

White Bread (500g)

$1.28 RON 5.54

$0.95 RON 4.11

$1.66 RON 7.19

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.34 RON 5.84

$0.9 RON 3.89

$1.79 RON 7.78

Eggs

$2.24 RON 9.72

$4.19 RON 18.21

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.96 RON 34.57

$5.75 RON 24.95

$17.92 RON 77.8

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.14 RON 26.65

$4.64 RON 20.14

$8.11 RON 35.22

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.68 RON 37.67

$5.65 RON 24.52

$15.8 RON 68.6

Apples (1kg)

$0.95 RON 4.12

$0.71 RON 3.09

$1.66 RON 7.22

Banana (1kg)

$1.59 RON 6.92

$1.42 RON 6.16

$1.89 RON 8.22

Oranges (1kg)

$1.66 RON 7.19

$0.95 RON 4.11

$4.02 RON 17.47

Tomato (1kg)

$2.2 RON 9.53

$1.16 RON 5.05

$3.49 RON 15.15

Potato (1kg)

$0.68 RON 2.95

$0.45 RON 1.96

$0.9 RON 3.93

Onion (1kg)

$0.66 RON 2.85

$1.09 RON 4.74

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.67 RON 2.9

$1.33 RON 5.79

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.89 RON 3.86

$0.57 RON 2.49

$1.36 RON 5.92

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.43 RON 23.57

$6.56 RON 28.48

Wine (Bottle)

$5.79 RON 25.14

$4.63 RON 20.12

$9.26 RON 40.19

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.03 RON 4.48

$0.71 RON 3.06

$1.18 RON 5.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.28 RON 5.57

$1.05 RON 4.56

$3.48 RON 15.12

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.93 RON 4.04

$0.7 RON 3.03

$1.16 RON 5.05

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$20 RON 86.8

$17.44 RON 75.7

$27.91 RON 121

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.95 RON 4.12

$1.42 RON 6.17

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.79 RON 3.44

$0.61 RON 2.64

$1.21 RON 5.24

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$9.32 RON 40.47

$6.99 RON 30.36

$10.48 RON 45.52

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.6 RON 6.95

$1.48 RON 6.43

$1.82 RON 7.89

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

$28.5K RON 124K

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

$25.9K RON 112.7K

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

$139 RON 604

$68.3 RON 296

$229 RON 993

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

$4.63 RON 20.11

$11.56 RON 50.2

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$6.9 RON 29.94

$18.38 RON 79.8

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.31 RON 158

$35.14 RON 153

$37.48 RON 163

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$17.53 RON 76.1

$10.52 RON 45.66

$18.93 RON 82.2

Cinema Ticket

$5.66 RON 24.56

$9.04 RON 39.27

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

$439 RON 1,904

$352 RON 1,529

$587 RON 2,548

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,960 RON 30.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$57.8 RON 251

$34.68 RON 151

$127 RON 551

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$37.73 RON 164

$22.74 RON 98.7

$56.8 RON 247

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$63.4 RON 275

$57.7 RON 250

$115 RON 501

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$69.3 RON 301

$116 RON 502

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$388 RON 1,686

$287 RON 1,244

$461 RON 2,000

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$289 RON 1,253

$229 RON 994

$360 RON 1,565

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$591 RON 2,565

$463 RON 2,010

$694 RON 3,015

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$433 RON 1,882

$342 RON 1,483

$501 RON 2,175

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,929 RON 8,376

$1,482 RON 6,432

$2,336 RON 10.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,479 RON 6,423

$1,137 RON 4,936

$1,711 RON 7,427

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$686 RON 2,977

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

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

City tags:

🇪🇺 Europe

Cost of Living in Zalau - Frequently Asked Questions

Zalau, Romania offers a practical balance of cost and comfort that appeals to travelers, expats, and digital nomads who value stable living costs over flashy luxuries. The city’s pace is relaxed, local markets and casual eateries deliver solid meals at modest prices, and a growing coworking scene supports remote work without steep fees. Short-term rentals near the center or close to transit tend to be the most convenient for daily life, helping you save on transport and time. Longer stays with flexible leases can unlock better monthly rates and stability. Cost of Living in Zalau, Romania tends to favor those who plan around housing and routine. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to test neighborhoods before committing to a longer lease.

Daily life in Zalau begins with an efficient local transit system and walkable streets. For housing, you’ll find a mix of compact central flats and larger, quieter apartments on the outskirts; prices vary by neighborhood and access to amenities. Grocery shopping is convenient at week markets and supermarkets, with a range of affordable options for staples. Dining options cover inexpensive cafes to traditional eateries, while errands and coworking spots cluster around the city center. The Zalau, Romania living cost remains approachable when you balance rent with groceries and transport. Tip: Build a simple budget by tracking weekly groceries, transit, and a couple of entertainment outings.

Quality of life hinges on neighborhood fit, seasonality, and budgeting framework. For budgeting, adopt a simple method: core needs (rent, utilities, food) first, then discretionary spending. In winter, heating needs can shift monthly costs, while spring and fall highlight outdoor-friendly neighborhoods with parks and cafes. Consider choosing a central area for easy access to markets and services, or a quieter residential zone if you value evenings. Transportation is flexible: walk, bike, or rely on buses; car ownership tends to add costs. Tip: Try a month in a couple of areas before locking in a longer lease to gauge noise, access, and vibe.