Cost of Living in Bucharest

Summary of cost of living in Bucharest, Romania:

Restaurants
Edit Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 50.00 lei 30.00-100.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 226.60 lei 160.00-350.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 28.00 lei 25.00-35.00
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 11.27 lei 6.00-15.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 15.00 lei 10.00-20.00
Cappuccino (regular) 13.39 lei 7.00-20.00
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) 8.21 lei 5.00-14.00
Water (12 oz small bottle) 8.22 lei 5.00-12.00
Markets
Edit
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) 32.03 lei 20.82-37.85
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) 4.74 lei 2.72-9.07
Rice (white), (1 lb) 3.85 lei 2.27-4.54
Eggs (regular) (12) 14.73 lei 10.00-18.00
Local Cheese (1 lb) 18.28 lei 11.34-27.22
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) 13.08 lei 8.16-18.14
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) 22.86 lei 15.88-40.82
Apples (1 lb) 2.32 lei 1.36-3.62
Banana (1 lb) 3.37 lei 2.72-4.54
Oranges (1 lb) 3.13 lei 1.81-4.54
Tomato (1 lb) 4.72 lei 2.27-9.07
Potato (1 lb) 1.98 lei 1.36-3.18
Onion (1 lb) 2.13 lei 1.36-3.63
Lettuce (1 head) 3.58 lei 2.00-6.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 3.35 lei 2.00-5.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 30.00 lei 20.00-40.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 4.54 lei 3.00-6.80
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 7.73 lei 5.00-12.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) 25.00 lei 23.00-27.00
Transportation
Edit
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 3.00 lei 3.00-3.50
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 80.00 lei 80.00-140.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 3.00 lei 2.40-4.00
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) 4.83 lei 3.70-5.63
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) 30.00 lei 22.90-35.00
Gasoline (1 gallon) 26.72 lei 24.04-30.28
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 110,798.46 lei 91,000.00-125,000.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) 114,803.80 lei 100,000.00-129,125.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Edit
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment 658.62 lei 472.22-1,133.33
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) 0.32 lei 0.10-0.50
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 42.72 lei 30.00-70.00
Sports And Leisure
Edit
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 214.76 lei 120.00-350.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 88.49 lei 60.00-100.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 35.00 lei 25.00-50.00
Childcare
Edit
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child 2,302.92 lei 1,700.00-3,000.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child 43,269.43 lei 25,000.00-90,000.00
Clothing And Shoes
Edit
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 324.21 lei 150.00-500.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 191.88 lei 120.00-300.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 350.98 lei 250.00-500.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes 443.32 lei 300.00-650.00
Rent Per Month
Edit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 2,330.49 lei 1,722.00-3,500.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 1,639.90 lei 1,239.97-2,479.93
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 4,161.03 lei 2,975.92-6,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 2,801.93 lei 2,000.00-4,000.00
Buy Apartment Price
Edit
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre 1,130.47 lei 789.67-1,393.53
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 661.92 lei 464.51-921.57
Salaries And Financing
Edit
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 4,629.71 lei
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate 7.82 5.50-10.00

Prices in Bucharest

This city had 7838 entries in the past 12 months by 696 different contributors.
Last update: May 2023
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
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28 Comments so far
Cristian on May 20, 2023:
Average salary in Bucharest - around 1000-1100 euros net. IT sector can be expected to earn 2000+. Expats similar or more.

Average rent for 1br apt - around 400-600 euros, 500-800 for a 2 br apt. Lots of apartments to rent or to buy.

City and country are extremely safe, much safer than any city in Western Europe (check external sources comparing crime levels).

Very very cheap services compared to Western Europe (subway pass around 15 euros, taxi around 0.7 euros/km, internet around 10 euros/month). Food is relatively expensive (just a bit cheaper than Western Europe or Greece).
Russian troll on Apr 03, 2023:
Wow, so many russian trolls in the comment section, talking BS.
REY on Jun 08, 2022:
Bucharest - Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) - 854.59 €
Berlin - Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) - 2,919.93 €

Cost in Berlin is slightly higher than in Bucharest, though the Net Salary in Berlin, is 3-4 times higher.

PS: Zurich - Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) - 6,424.63 €

These are just examples, do not take them as an offence.
Anonymous on Apr 08, 2022:
Hi all! I'm so frustrated to see racist comments about this country. First of all, every country has bad and good people, and in general, I can say that Romanians are one of the kindest people in the world. They will welcome you in such a great way and they will give you all they have to make you feel good.
Romania is not an unsafe country, not at all. The prices in Bucharest are higher compared to the rest of the country, but please compare it with other European capitals and you will make the difference. The normal cost of living (rent, food, bills) is normal, not cheap, not expensive, if you want to go to a restaurant might be higher than other east European countries, but trying to compare them with France, Italy, Spain, is cheaper. But here you can find very nice places, restaurants, bars, that can't be compared to other countries at a decent price.
Please try once to visit it, to see the landscapes, the beauty of nature, of the Carpati Mountains and you will not regret it. Also try to meet Romanians and try to go to a party here with them, and you will never want to leave this contry.
Anonymous on Nov 28, 2021:
I've never met an intelligent romanian inroute, at the airport in Bucharest. Also romanians are gypsies that rarely bathe and wear layers of clothing to mask their body odor. Portable kiosks should be mandatory for hot water hosedowns with deodorant soap.Yes all romanians stink of body odor.I cringe knowing my flight will stop in Bucharest inroute,to elsewhere.
Anonymous on Jun 03, 2021:
If you are rich this is a good city but if you are poor this is a horible city... A lot of scammers and gold diggers.
Pratik Sai on Apr 29, 2021:
@Kiran

58.5% of salary is take home that is more or less right. You will not get back your pension contributions unless you retire there so please make sure the company offers you a social security reimbursement - should be approx 35% of your salary.
roboul on Mar 06, 2021:
I coming to Romania you can help me please call me my
WhatsApp number
Anonymous on Feb 08, 2021:
Hum trashy pile of rubbish you said? Your comments on Feb 7,2021 hum? Everyone knows how dangerous Bucharest actually is and I must agree with comments made about Bucharest on Dec 19,2020.I'm not of the mindset of others in Europe who carrouse in the red-light districts visiting Bucharest.I drive a taxi throughout Bucharest so I see all of the violence taking place throughout Bucharest and I've driven taxi 56 years in Bucharest,yes I'm a native Bucharestian.Gun battles day or night,it doesn't matter how safe any area's are supposed to be.Take your RUBBISH SELF back from whence you came and your shag parties with you.To post Dec 19,2020 thank you for telling it like it really is because I too live and work throughout the violent city daily.
Anonymous on Feb 07, 2021:
Replying to Anonymous of Dec 19 2020.
I have never before seen such a trashy pile of rubbish written about Bucharest.
Utter lies and garbage such as your commentary suggests you are either malicious or stupid.
Bucharest is, without doubt, one of the safest cities in Europe. I have lived here far longer than you and have seen none of the violence you claim. NONE.
Anonymous on Jan 18, 2021:
There's way too many gypsys living in Bucharest.They are laying drugged or drunk on the sidewalks
Anonymous on Jan 06, 2021:
Yes I'm sure because I stayed in PIATA ROMANA neighborhood a very upscale area,supposedly.
Anonymous on Jan 03, 2021:
Dear Anonymus,

Are you realy sure you lived in Bucharest, Romania?

Kind regards,
Anonymous on Dec 19, 2020:
I lived in Bucharest for 8 months in a supposed great area but I left due to extreme violence throughout the city.The high prices weren't an issue for me.The crime rates listed here aren't correct but instead double that. The city is loaded with guns and I've heard automatic weapons many times throughout the city day or night. If you have a death wish live in Bucharest.
Alex on Dec 18, 2020:
Prices are a lot higher in Bucharest and Romania then in this Summary... to get this prices for food you need to search all town for cheap food...
Akash khadka on Jun 07, 2020:
Im from Nepal. Romania is suitable for doing jobs? and. How much we need to cost for month? Please
Anonymous on Dec 06, 2019:
Hi All,
Also could you please guide me about free/paid education for my 10 year old kid . After going through couple of fourms observed the international school is expensive .
I don’t believe in expensive education but wanted to know how good is the Govt schools education system . Thank you .
Kiran on Dec 06, 2019:
Hi All ,
I will be offered soon to join IT company in Bucharest , Romania as full time employee . I am an expat and will be relocating from India with my wife and 10 year old kid . Observed Pension fund contribution is 25% and Health contribution is 10% of gross salary . While the income tax is 10% of taxable base .

This makes the take home salary after all deductions will be around 58.5%

I am wondering if expats can with draw “ Pension fund contribution “ made from there gross salary ? If so , when and how can we withdraw and what is the process .

Appreciate your help . Thank you .
Romanian on Oct 16, 2019:
I've saw a comment bellow in regards with public transport that it's expensive. :)))))
This is not true. If you pay per month 15 EUR for metro then try London :) with more than 1k GBP per month, try Amsterdam and then we'll discuss.

Bucharest and Romania are great for leaving and everything is affordable even for a Romanian which has an University diploma and then continued learning and being professional in his career, especially in IT.

Rentals and also purchasing for apartments cannot compare with other European capitals. Take Paris for example; 1 room studio around city centre ~500k EUR.
Bucharest, around city centre 1 room studio ~55k EUR.

Let's not mention that Romania is a safe country from many perspectives.
Anonymous on Aug 23, 2019:
http://www.ziare.com/social/salariu/salariul-mediu-net-in-bucuresti-a-ajuns-la-3-882-de-lei-iar-pensia-medie-trece-de-1-500-de-lei-1552911

The average monthly net salary in Bucharest is near 4000ron and not 3016ron. Please verify
Jack on Aug 10, 2019:
Any information on pipera lake project in Bucharest ? Location, fair purchase price for 1 and 2 bedroom apartment, rental prices etc...
Jack on Aug 10, 2019:
I am interested in buying an apartment in pipera lake project. Any information on the neighborhood, prices etc. will be appreciated
Dushan on Aug 03, 2019:
Im from sri lanka. Romania is suitable for doing jobs? and. How much we need to cost for month? Please help
Mike Veen on Jun 13, 2019:
@Greg: thank Greg. This useful for me. I am from the Netherland and thinking serious to go Bucarest and stay there. Dont know how to handle things yet but i will. I wish you good luck with your Romanian wife and i agree fully...they are the most beautiful i have ever seen.
Greg on May 24, 2019:
I been married to my Romanian wife for 5 years now and been with her 7 years. I am American from California. I have found Romanian women to be among the most beautiful I ever seen. I see some ignorant comments about Romanians, but most don't trust you at first. When they do, they treat you like family. I like the nightlife there and hanging out with some genuine people, I got to know. You make friends in any country with your attitude, so don't blame others if you are not finding friendly people. I own a brand new 2 bedroom condo. I pay 56,000 Euros. That is beyond cheap where I lived in California, USA. I agree with the statement dated May 18, 2019. You can live very good here for 1500 Euros per month. Most consider that well off. A single person can easily live off that and have money left over. Some of this above prices are high where I get things. I guess you can find some places higher than others, but most people living there know where to get bargains. Currently the US dollar here goes far, Current conversion is $1 US Dollar to 4.2 Romanian Lei. I found Romania to be one of the cheapest places I been too. Bucharest might be a little more money, but there is always things to do. If you live on outskirts are other places, you might find it even cheaper. You can also own a business that generates money for not a big investment. I would suggest hiring a Lawyer to have all paperwork in order. You can get for around 500 Euros.
Anonymous on May 18, 2019:
Currently saving to buy my own place. With that in mind, 3700-3900RON/month is enough to live a frugal living as a young male. This accounts for renting an apartment(one room close to city center), utilities, eating as I please(I cook my own food, I rarely eat out), gym membership, public transport, cheap clothes from H&M and going out maybe twice per month(nothing too fancy, maybe a beer at the pub or watching the latest Marvel flic at IMAX).
Rick on May 14, 2019:
I spent a week in Bucharest while attending a funeral. I spoke with many people about moving to Romania, as I am retired and have a decent income. I found that in Banessa was comfortable, safe and easy to get around in. Apartments were very inexpensive as well as food and transportation. I took Uber from Sector 2 to Banessa and it cost me $5 (Around 15 km). The one issue I found is immigration and the bureaucracy It is very hard for retired people to move to Romania. Also, Health insurance and healthcare are very expensive for ex-pats (Break your arm, and you have to pay 10,000 euros up front and wait for your insurance to reimburse). Still, Bucharest and Romania will forever be my dream place to live.România dragostea mea!
Anonymous on May 14, 2019:
Bucharest is expensive if you don't speak Romanian. You will get ripped off.