🇷🇴 Cost of Living in Romania - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameRomania
CapitalBucharest
Population19.0 million
Area238,391 km² (92,043 sq mi)
LanguagesRomanian
CurrencyRomanian leu (lei)
TimezoneUTC+02:00
RegionEurope / Southeast Europe
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$49,559 (2024)
Inflation Rate5.7% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$1,051 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend23.0% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)3.3% (2022)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Quick Facts
Cost LevelAffordable
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$25-40 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$40-70 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$70-120 USD
CurrencyRON
Tipping Customexpected (5-10%)
How Expensive Is Romania?
Romania is generally considered an affordable country to live in or visit, with a cost of living lower than many Western European countries. Compared to its neighbors, Romania is more expensive than Bulgaria and Moldova, but cheaper than Hungary and Serbia. The country offers a great balance of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for tourists and expats alike. Overall, Romania is a great value for those looking to experience Europe without breaking the bank.
In terms of global averages, Romania's cost of living is below the average for European countries. However, prices in the capital city of Bucharest can be higher than in other parts of the country. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation in Romania is generally lower than in Western Europe, making it an attractive option for those looking to live or travel on a budget.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$10-20
Shared rooms and basic facilities
Mid-Range Hotel
$30-60
Private rooms and decent amenities
Luxury/Resort
$80-150
High-end amenities and services
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$200-500
City center, one-bedroom apartment
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$100-300
Outside city center, one-bedroom apartment
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$3-6
Casual Restaurant
$10-20
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$20-40
Fine Dining
$50-100
Beer (local)
$2-5
Coffee
$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$1-2
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$0.50-1.50
Taxi (per km)
$0.50-1.00
Domestic flight
$50-150
Fuel (per liter)
$0.80-1.20
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
200
400
600
Food
200
400
600
Transport
50
100
150
Utilities
50
100
150
Entertainment
100
200
300
Total
700
1,200
1,800
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse instead of a hotel to save on accommodation costs.
Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls instead of mid-range or fine dining restaurants.
Use public transportation instead of taxis to get around.
Buy groceries at local markets or supermarkets instead of eating out.
Avoid traveling during peak season (June to August) to save on accommodation and transportation costs.
Learn some basic Romanian phrases to negotiate prices and get a better deal from locals.
Overall, Romania is a great value destination for those looking to experience Europe on a budget. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture, Romania has something to offer for every kind of traveler. By being mindful of costs and taking advantage of money-saving tips, visitors can have a great time in Romania without breaking the bank.