Cost of Living in Zalau - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Zalau
Address: Zalau, RO

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $484 (excluding rent), and $953 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,150 (excluding rent), and $1,882 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$8.19 RON 35.9

$7.02 RON 30.78

$15.92 RON 69.8

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$35.19 RON 154

$25.81 RON 113

$58.7 RON 257

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.88 RON 25.77

$8.23 RON 36.06

Cappuccino

$2.12 RON 9.28

$2 RON 8.78

$3.76 RON 16.49

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

$2 RON 8.76

$1.36 RON 5.95

$2.72 RON 11.9

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.8 RON 7.87

$1.18 RON 5.17

$2.36 RON 10.35

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.74 RON 12

$1.83 RON 8

$3.65 RON 16

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.79 RON 12.21

$4.66 RON 20.4

Milk (1 liter)

$1.51 RON 6.62

$1.06 RON 4.65

$2.11 RON 9.26

White Bread (500g)

$1.27 RON 5.56

$0.94 RON 4.12

$1.65 RON 7.21

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.34 RON 5.88

$0.9 RON 3.92

$1.79 RON 7.85

Eggs

$2.24 RON 9.8

$4.19 RON 18.36

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.16 RON 35.74

$5.89 RON 25.8

$18.36 RON 80.4

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.27 RON 27.48

$4.74 RON 20.77

$8.29 RON 36.31

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.62 RON 37.79

$5.61 RON 24.6

$15.71 RON 68.8

Apples (1kg)

$0.88 RON 3.87

$0.66 RON 2.91

$1.55 RON 6.78

Banana (1kg)

$1.57 RON 6.88

$1.4 RON 6.13

$1.86 RON 8.17

Oranges (1kg)

$1.63 RON 7.15

$0.93 RON 4.08

$3.96 RON 17.36

Tomato (1kg)

$2.15 RON 9.4

$1.14 RON 4.98

$3.41 RON 14.95

Potato (1kg)

$0.67 RON 2.94

$0.45 RON 1.96

$0.9 RON 3.92

Onion (1kg)

$0.7 RON 3.07

$1.17 RON 5.11

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.72 RON 3.16

$1.44 RON 6.32

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.88 RON 3.86

$0.57 RON 2.49

$1.35 RON 5.93

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.68 RON 24.91

$6.87 RON 30.09

Wine (Bottle)

$5.61 RON 24.58

$4.49 RON 19.66

$8.98 RON 39.37

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.03 RON 4.5

$0.7 RON 3.08

$1.17 RON 5.13

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.24 RON 5.44

$1.02 RON 4.46

$3.37 RON 14.79

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.88 RON 3.84

$0.66 RON 2.88

$1.1 RON 4.8

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$19.73 RON 86.5

$17.21 RON 75.4

$27.53 RON 121

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.95 RON 4.16

$1.42 RON 6.24

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.86 RON 3.77

$0.66 RON 2.9

$1.31 RON 5.74

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$9.1 RON 39.88

$6.83 RON 29.92

$10.24 RON 44.86

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.64 RON 7.17

$1.52 RON 6.64

$1.86 RON 8.14

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

$28.2K RON 123.5K

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

$25.9K RON 113.3K

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

$143 RON 627

$70.3 RON 308

$235 RON 1,031

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

$4.48 RON 19.65

$11.19 RON 49.05

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$6.89 RON 30.19

$18.37 RON 80.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.01 RON 158

$34.85 RON 153

$37.17 RON 163

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$18.91 RON 82.9

$11.34 RON 49.71

$20.42 RON 89.5

Cinema Ticket

$5.82 RON 25.5

$9.31 RON 40.78

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

$431 RON 1,890

$346 RON 1,518

$577 RON 2,530

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,892 RON 30.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$57.7 RON 253

$34.63 RON 152

$127 RON 555

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$37.49 RON 164

$22.59 RON 99

$56.5 RON 247

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$62.6 RON 274

$56.9 RON 250

$114 RON 499

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$68.8 RON 302

$115 RON 503

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$391 RON 1,713

$288 RON 1,264

$464 RON 2,031

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$287 RON 1,257

$228 RON 997

$358 RON 1,570

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$596 RON 2,612

$467 RON 2,047

$701 RON 3,070

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$444 RON 1,947

$350 RON 1,534

$514 RON 2,250

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,719 RON 7,532

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,375 RON 6,025

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$670 RON 2,937

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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.