Eastern Europe Updated
Average Cost of Living in Bucharest
The average cost of living in Bucharest, Romania is $862 per month for a single person, and $2,063 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $670 per month. The local average net salary is $1,484 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 19.6 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $862 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,063 / mo
- Student
- $504 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Bucharest
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$1,484.26 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Bucharest | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Bucharest | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Bucharest | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Bucharest | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Bucharest | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Bucharest | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Bucharest | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Bucharest | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Bucharest | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Bucharest | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Bucharest FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Bucharest. |
Rent & Property Prices in Bucharest
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $670 | $497 – $943 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $457 | $354 – $678 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,239 | $904 – $1,886 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $794 | $678 – $1,130 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,082 | $2,947 – $5,648 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $2,308 | $1,957 – $2,937 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $670$497 – $943
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $457$354 – $678
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,239$904 – $1,886
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $794$678 – $1,130
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $4,082$2,947 – $5,648
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $2,308$1,957 – $2,937
Grocery Prices in Bucharest
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.66 | $1.13 – $2.26 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.30 | $0.68 – $2.26 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.66 | $0.90 – $2.26 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.82 | $2.71 – $5.15 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $9.82 | $6.78 – $14 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $7.32 | $4.52 – $9.04 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $13 | $6.78 – $18 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $1.37 | $0.90 – $2.03 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.75 | $1.36 – $2.71 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.71 | $1.13 – $3.39 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $2.34 | $1.36 – $3.39 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $0.80 | $0.61 – $1.36 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $0.83 | $0.45 – $1.81 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.92 | $0.68 – $1.58 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.96 | $0.68 – $1.24 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $6.78 | $4.52 – $11 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.31 | $0.90 – $1.81 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.79 | $1.13 – $2.94 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $6.78 | $6.33 – $7.23 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.66$1.13 – $2.26
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.30$0.68 – $2.26
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.66$0.90 – $2.26
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.82$2.71 – $5.15
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $9.82$6.78 – $14
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $7.32$4.52 – $9.04
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $13$6.78 – $18
- Apples (1 kg) $1.37$0.90 – $2.03
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.75$1.36 – $2.71
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.71$1.13 – $3.39
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $2.34$1.36 – $3.39
- Potatoes (1 kg) $0.80$0.61 – $1.36
- Onions (1 kg) $0.83$0.45 – $1.81
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.92$0.68 – $1.58
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.96$0.68 – $1.24
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $6.78$4.52 – $11
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.31$0.90 – $1.81
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.79$1.13 – $2.94
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $6.78$6.33 – $7.23
Public Transport & Car Costs in Bucharest
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.13 | $0.68 – $1.13 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $20 | $18 – $32 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.68 | $0.68 – $1.13 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.68 | $0.66 – $0.90 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $6.78 | $6.10 – $11 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.84 | $1.58 – $2.03 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $30,038 | $29,370 – $32,533 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $28,556 | $25,911 – $33,888 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.13$0.68 – $1.13
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $20$18 – $32
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.68$0.68 – $1.13
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.68$0.66 – $0.90
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $6.78$6.10 – $11
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.84$1.58 – $2.03
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $30,038$29,370 – $32,533
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $28,556$25,911 – $33,888
Utility & Internet Costs in Bucharest
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $207 | $162 – $294 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $7.75 | $3.61 – $11 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $10 | $7.00 – $18 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $207$162 – $294
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $7.75$3.61 – $11
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $10$7.00 – $18
Childcare & Preschool in Bucharest
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $690 | $565 – $1,033 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $15,075 | $11,296 – $28,292 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $690$565 – $1,033
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $15,075$11,296 – $28,292
Clothing Prices in Bucharest
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $92 | $45 – $113 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $41 | $23 – $59 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $92 | $56 – $124 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $105 | $68 – $153 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $92$45 – $113
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $41$23 – $59
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $92$56 – $124
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $105$68 – $153
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Bucharest
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $53 | $34 – $68 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $27 | $16 – $45 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $9.04 | $6.78 – $12 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $53$34 – $68
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $27$16 – $45
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $9.04$6.78 – $12
Restaurant Prices in Bucharest
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $14 | $9.04 – $23 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $68 | $41 – $96 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $7.91 | $6.78 – $9.04 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $3.39 | $1.81 – $4.52 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.39 | $2.26 – $5.65 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $3.55 | $2.03 – $5.65 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.43 | $1.36 – $3.39 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.12 | $1.13 – $3.39 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $14$9.04 – $23
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $68$41 – $96
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $7.91$6.78 – $9.04
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $3.39$1.81 – $4.52
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.39$2.26 – $5.65
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $3.55$2.03 – $5.65
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.43$1.36 – $3.39
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.12$1.13 – $3.39
Salaries & Mortgages in Bucharest
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,484 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 7.10% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $1,484
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 7.10%
Compare Bucharest with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Romania
Constanta
Monthly / 1 person
$873
vs NYC
19.8/100
Romania
Brasov
Monthly / 1 person
$890
vs NYC
20.2/100
Romania
Iasi
Monthly / 1 person
$795
vs NYC
18.1/100
Romania
Cluj-napoca
Monthly / 1 person
$948
vs NYC
21.5/100
Romania
Craiova
Monthly / 1 person
$776
vs NYC
17.6/100
Romania
Sibiu
Monthly / 1 person
$732
vs NYC
16.6/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Bucharest?
- An estimated $862 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Bucharest. A family of four needs around $2,063 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $504.
- How much money do I need to live in Bucharest?
- Plan for at least $862 per month as a single person, $2,063 per month for a family of four, or $504 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Bucharest.
- What is the average rent in Bucharest?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Bucharest rents for around $670 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,239 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Bucharest?
- The average monthly net salary in Bucharest is around $1,484. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 45% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Bucharest?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Bucharest costs around $14. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $50 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.66/L) and bread ($1.30/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Bucharest?
- A monthly public transport pass in Bucharest costs around $20. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Bucharest?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Bucharest costs around $10 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.