Last update: Oct 2026 Romania 24.9K

Cost of Living in Zărnești

For one person, living costs in Zărnești are estimated at $889 a month, including rent and utilities – 20% below the national average. Rent and utilities take more than a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Zărnești

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Zărnești actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $889 per month with rent, or $524 for everyday expenses alone.

$889 /mo

A couple spends around $1,383 per month with rent, or $939 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,383 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,877 per month with rent, or $1,354 without housing.

$1,877 /mo

Overall, Zărnești is about 34% below the global median. Within Europe, costs are well below average (50% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Zărnești? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$9.00 RON 42.60
$7.41 RON 35.08
$10.59 RON 50.1
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$42.40 RON 201
$31.80 RON 150
$84.8 RON 401
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.36 RON 39.57
$8.15 RON 38.56
$8.58 RON 40.58
Cappuccino
$2.18 RON 10.34
$1.65 RON 7.79
$2.68 RON 12.70
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.46 RON 6.90
$1.04 RON 4.93
$2.09 RON 9.91
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.20 RON 5.66
$0.62 RON 2.95
$2.09 RON 9.87
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.90 RON 9.00
$1.06 RON 5.00
$2.12 RON 10.05
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.28 RON 10.79
$1.44 RON 6.84
$3.11 RON 14.69
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.27 RON 6.02
$1.06 RON 5.02
$2.13 RON 10.09
White Bread (500g)
$1.07 RON 5.06
$0.86 RON 4.05
$1.50 RON 7.09
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.44 RON 6.81
$0.85 RON 4.00
$1.90 RON 9.01
Eggs
$2.79 RON 13.20
$1.96 RON 9.29
$5.40 RON 25.57
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.89 RON 37.33
$5.21 RON 24.63
$11.46 RON 54.2
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.74 RON 22.42
$3.88 RON 18.35
$8.62 RON 40.77
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.40 RON 49.21
$6.41 RON 30.31
$14.94 RON 70.7
Apples (1kg)
$0.93 RON 4.41
$0.51 RON 2.41
$1.61 RON 7.64
Banana (1kg)
$1.33 RON 6.30
$1.08 RON 5.09
$1.72 RON 8.14
Oranges (1kg)
$1.27 RON 6.02
$1.06 RON 5.01
$2.13 RON 10.07
Tomato (1kg)
$1.28 RON 6.06
$0.85 RON 4.04
$3.21 RON 15.20
Potato (1kg)
$0.78 RON 3.67
$0.66 RON 3.13
$1.10 RON 5.21
Onion (1kg)
$0.52 RON 2.45
$0.41 RON 1.94
$1.23 RON 5.83
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.80 RON 3.80
$0.40 RON 1.90
$1.20 RON 5.69
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.77 RON 3.63
$0.65 RON 3.09
$1.09 RON 5.15
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.15 RON 24.37
$5.15 RON 24.37
$6.19 RON 29.28
Wine (Bottle)
$7.42 RON 35.09
$5.29 RON 25.04
$9.53 RON 45.09
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.07 RON 5.08
$0.76 RON 3.58
$1.93 RON 9.15
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.29 RON 6.12
$0.76 RON 3.59
$1.72 RON 8.15
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.70 RON 3.32
$0.60 RON 2.83
$0.80 RON 3.77
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$21.32 RON 101
$16.64 RON 78.7
$29.12 RON 138
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.88 RON 4.15
$0.88 RON 4.15
$0.88 RON 4.15
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.86 RON 4.05
$0.86 RON 4.05
$0.86 RON 4.05
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.45 RON 35.26
$6.63 RON 31.35
$8.28 RON 39.17
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.51 RON 7.16
$1.51 RON 7.16
$2.17 RON 10.28
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.5K RON 134.9K
$28.5K RON 134.9K
$28.5K RON 135.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.0K RON 122.9K
$24.5K RON 116.1K
$31.0K RON 146.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$99.0 RON 468
$82.7 RON 391
$145 RON 685
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.28 RON 43.89
$5.99 RON 28.32
$26.81 RON 127
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$8.00 RON 37.86
$6.20 RON 29.32
$12.38 RON 58.6
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.82 RON 179
$26.27 RON 124
$42.03 RON 199
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$19.41 RON 91.9
$10.05 RON 47.53
$20.08 RON 95.0
Cinema Ticket
$6.24 RON 29.55
$5.20 RON 24.59
$16.64 RON 78.7
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$429 RON 2,031
$382 RON 1,805
$530 RON 2,507
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,733 RON 36.6K
$5,931 RON 28.1K
$10.5K RON 49.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$44.43 RON 210
$35.97 RON 170
$106 RON 501
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$27.26 RON 129
$23.06 RON 109
$31.45 RON 149
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$68.9 RON 326
$63.6 RON 301
$95.3 RON 451
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$76.8 RON 363
$41.49 RON 196
$124 RON 589
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$434 RON 2,054
$357 RON 1,689
$507 RON 2,398
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$266 RON 1,258
$196 RON 925
$342 RON 1,617
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$576 RON 2,727
$458 RON 2,166
$712 RON 3,369
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$424 RON 2,008
$317 RON 1,501
$549 RON 2,599
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,751 RON 8,283
$1,377 RON 6,513
$1,988 RON 9,406
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,329 RON 6,288
$1,075 RON 5,088
$1,558 RON 7,370
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$510 RON 2,415
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
7.47
7.2
8

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

Last update: October 18, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Zărnești $889
Accommodation & Living
$266
Groceries & Markets
$182
Eating Out
$148
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$116
Clothing & Footwear
$98
Sport & Entertainment
$50
Getting Around
$29

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $434, dropping to $266 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 85% of the average salary ($510) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $510 – below monthly costs of $889. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $182 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $42.00 – well below the European average of $74.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $21.32 – among the cheapest in Europe (average $49.00).

Cost Highlights

Average monthly net salary is lower than 97% of cities in Europe

Chicken fillets is cheaper than 96% of cities in Europe

Internet is cheaper than 95% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
22:52 10:52 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
24,926
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to RON – Romanian Leu Converter

Romanian Leu exchange rates as of October 23, 2026: 1 USD = 4.73 RON (1 RON = 0.211 USD). 1 EUR = 5.32 RON (1 RON = 0.188 EUR).

On the map
From you
  • Zărnești

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

Zărnești Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Zărnești - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Zărnești stack up for affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value here?
In Zărnești you can balance value with a slower tempo and easy access to nature. The town offers modest apartments, local markets, and dining options that feel affordable without sacrificing quality, especially if you explore beyond the main tourist routes. Compared with Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca, housing and everyday goods often come with more breathing room, making it appealing for travelers on extended stays, remote workers, and families seeking steadier routines. Seasonal tourism nearby can nudge prices higher, but within town you still gain space and authenticity. Cost of Living in Zărnești, Romania helps set expectations for planning your stay. Tip: Choose a neighborhood near the center or the foothills to save time and get easy access to markets.
What does daily life look like in Zărnești in terms of housing search, groceries, transport, coworking, and errands?
In daily life here you'll spot a mix of small apartment blocks, family houses, and short commutes that keep errands convenient. Grocery runs lean on local markets and wood-fired bakeries, with fresh produce and bread that complement steadier supermarket options. Getting around is straightforward by car or bus, while walking paths around the old town let you enjoy parks and rivers. If you're freelance or remote, you'll find cozy cafés and occasional coworking spots or libraries; check hours in winter when daylight is shorter. Zărnești living cost remains manageable for day-to-day tasks, especially when you prioritize nearby shops. Tip: map a weekly route to minimize backtracking and use morning hours for errands.
How can you balance quality of life in Zărnești with budgeting, seasonal shifts, and neighborhood fit?
You can optimize life in Zărnești by a simple budgeting framework: assign fixed blocks for housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, then leave a buffer for occasional trips to nearby Brașov. Seasonality helps or hinders depending on your rhythm – summer hikes draw crowds while winter quiet can simplify planning but shorten daylight hours. For neighborhood fit, center-area living keeps shops within reach; hillside or forest-edge spots offer quiet and easier access to trails. Build flexibility into your week: do bigger shopping on market days, plan workouts outdoors, and use off-peak travel to save time. Tip: keep a loose weekly rhythm that favors slower weekends and midweek errands.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Zărnești?
Housing in Zărnești takes a heavy bite – about 85% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
What is the average cost of living in Zărnești?
A single person in Zărnești typically spends $889 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $524. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Zărnești enough to cover living costs?
At $510 per month, the average salary in Zărnești falls short of the $1,334 needed for truly comfortable living. Most people bridge the gap by sharing housing, relying on a second income, or cutting back on extras. Basic needs are covered, but consistent saving takes real discipline.
Is rent high in Zărnești?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Zărnești – 1-bedroom apartments range from $266 to $434 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
Is food expensive in Zărnești?
Food in Zărnești is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $182 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How much is public transport in Zărnești?
Getting around Zărnești by public transport costs about $21.32 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can you live on $800 a month in Zărnești?
$800 a month in Zărnești? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $889, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Zărnești a good place to live?
Quality of life in Zărnești is genuinely good – highlights include low crime rates, clean air, great local cuisine, and monthly costs hover around $889. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
How affordable is Zărnești?
Zărnești is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $889 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Is Zărnești good for backpackers on a budget?
Zărnești is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $889 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

Zărnești vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities

Show times on the 12-hour clock, temperatures in °F and distances in miles?