Cost of Living in Bucharest, Romania
Last updated on Jun 05, 2025
Summary: The cost of living in Bucharest, Romania is generally considered to be quite affordable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in the city center can cost anywhere from $400 to $600 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost from $600 to $800 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Bucharest is usually around $15 to $20 per person.
Is the cost of living in Bucharest high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Bucharest, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Bucharest can vary depending on an individual's lifestyle. In general, costs such as groceries, transportation and utilities are comparable to those of other cities in Eastern Europe, and plenty of budget options exist in terms of accommodation and dining. In recent years, however, the cost of living in Bucharest has been on the rise, particularly for items that are not locally produced," wrote a person living in Bucharest.

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Will I save money living in Bucharest?
"It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and spending habits. Living in Bucharest can be quite inexpensive if you are able to find an affordable place to stay, as the city is relatively cheap compared to other major capital cities in Europe. Additionally, there are many options for food and entertainment that won't break your budget. However, there are also some luxuries that may be more expensive depending on where you shop, so it is important to research prices before spending," remarked one in Bucharest.
What is the average cost of housing in Bucharest?
If you are thinking about moving to Bucharest, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The cost of housing in Bucharest varies depending on the area and type of property. Generally, apartments in the city centre cost more than those outside of the centre, with prices ranging from around €400-€1,000 per month for apartments, and €500-€2,000 per month for houses," explained one expat living in Bucharest.
"The housing costs are a little higher than in Latvia. The cost for a studio is the same. But a multiple room apartment outside the city center in Riga should be a bit cheeper. Even if there isn't a big difference in the price, the salary rates vary a bit more for the disadvantage of Bucharest... We pay a monthly fee of 2100 lei - 470 Euro for rent+utilities for a simple 3 room apartment between the downtown and outskirts. Simple studios are around around 250 - 350 Euro," said one expat in Bucharest.
What are typical rental prices for expats in Bucharest?
"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Bucharest, is approximately $500 to $700 per month. For a nice 2 bedroom apartment, the rental price ranges from $700 to $1,000 per month. These prices may vary depending on the location and amenities offered," remarked one expat in Bucharest.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Bucharest what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"In a rental property in Bucharest, you can typically expect to find essential appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Some properties may also include a dishwasher, microwave, and air conditioning units. However, it is essential to check the specific rental listing or consult with the landlord to confirm which appliances are included, as this may vary from one property to another," said an expat in Bucharest.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
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- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?