Cost Of Living in Bucharest 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Bucharest
Whether you're living in Bucharest or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: RON
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: RON
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: RON
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: RON
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: RON
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Bucharest
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Bucharest
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 140 RON | 690 RON | 6,900 RON |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Bucharest ranges between 70 RON and 5,500 RON with average being 500 RON, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 540 RON with 73 RON and 6,100 RON being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 690 RON. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 65 RON to 170 RON with 130 RON being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 70 RON but can range between 42 RON and 210 RON depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Bucharest is around 5.9%. This means that people pay 5.9% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.4% to 11% depending on salary and location.
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Bucharest is 9,500 RON. Expenses can range from 1,300 RON at the minimum level to 110,000 RON at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Bucharest is 14,000 RON. Expenditure can range from 2,200 RON to 130,000 RON per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Bucharest is 17,000 RON per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,300 RON to 170,000 RON.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Bucharest is 6,700 RON. Students spend from 1,000 RON to 75,000 RON per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
How do people spend their money in Bucharest?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure25%
25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)
| LOW | $68 310 RON |
| AVERAGE | $680 3,100 RON |
| HIGH | $10,000 47,000 RON |
| Per Month |
People living in Bucharest typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 3,100 RON with expenditure ranging from 310 RON to 47,000 RON. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)
| LOW | $10 46 RON |
| AVERAGE | $100 460 RON |
| HIGH | $1,500 6,900 RON |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bucharest ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 460 RON with 46 RON and 6,900 RON being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $22 99 RON |
| AVERAGE | $220 990 RON |
| HIGH | $3,200 15,000 RON |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 99 RON to 15,000 RON on commuting with 990 RON being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.
Food and Groceries Cost28%
28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)
| LOW | $53 240 RON |
| AVERAGE | $530 2,400 RON |
| HIGH | $7,900 36,000 RON |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Bucharest is 2,400 RON. The cost of groceries can range between 240 RON to 36,000 RON. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services10%
10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)
| LOW | $13 60 RON |
| AVERAGE | $130 600 RON |
| HIGH | $2,000 9,000 RON |
| Per Month |
People in Bucharest allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 60 RON to 9,000 RON with 600 RON being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)
| LOW | $8.4 39 RON |
| AVERAGE | $84 390 RON |
| HIGH | $1,300 5,800 RON |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 39 RON to 5,800 RON with 390 RON being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $13 58 RON |
| AVERAGE | $130 580 RON |
| HIGH | $1,900 8,700 RON |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 580 RON per month with 58 RON being the minimum spent amount and 8,700 RON being the maximum.
Other Expenses13%
13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
| LOW | $29 130 RON |
| AVERAGE | $290 1,300 RON |
| HIGH | $4,300 20,000 RON |
| Per Month |
Financial goals of people in Bucharest
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bucharest, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 8% |
| Debt Reduction | 39% |
| Retirement Savings | 9% |
| Education Funding | 7% |
| Homeownership | 18% |
| Investing | 7% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 8% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 12% |
| Financial Independence | 6% |
Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 39% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 12% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
How much money can you save in Bucharest every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Bucharest manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 67% of the surveyed people in Bucharest said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 33% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Bucharest
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 77% | 23% |
| Couples | 74% | 26% |
| Families | 65% | 35% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
410 RON
$91 | 4,100 RON
$910 | 62,000 RON
$14,000 |
For most people, 13% to 36% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 22% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 4,100 RON on average with savings ranging from 410 RON to 62,000 RON.
77% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 74% of couples said the same. 65% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Bucharest?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
400 RON
$86 | 3,600 RON
$780 | 40,000 RON
$8,600 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 31% |
| 10% - 20% | 24% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 14% |
| 40% - 50% | 11% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 39% of their monthly income to savings, with 27% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 3,600 RON with 400 RON and 40,000 RON being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
810 RON
$180 | 5,300 RON
$1,100 | 49,000 RON
$11,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 35% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 9% |
| 40% - 50% | 8% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 39% of their monthly income, with 25% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 5,300 RON with 810 RON and 49,000 RON being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,200 RON
$270 | 6,200 RON
$1,400 | 62,000 RON
$14,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 38% |
| 10% - 20% | 29% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 6% |
| 40% - 50% | 5% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Bucharest can save anywhere between 12% to 33% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 6,200 RON with 1,200 RON and 62,000 RON being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Typical saving choices for people in Bucharest
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 12% |
| Gold | 12% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 10% |
| Cash Savings | 19% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 5% |
| Bonds | 5% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bucharest
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 31% of the people in Bucharest have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Bucharest
Debt to income ratio
28%
19% to 38%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Bucharest goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 16% |
| 40% - 50% | 13% |
| 30% - 40% | 15% |
| 20% - 30% | 12% |
| 10% - 20% | 14% |
| 0% - 10% | 26% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Bucharest pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 16% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 12% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Bucharest
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 10% |
| Auto Loan | 18% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 28% |
| Personal Loan | 41% |
10% of debtors in Bucharest confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 28% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 18% of people and personal loans rose at 41%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Bucharest.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Bucharest
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 52% |
| Once a year | 23% |
| Twice a year | 12% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Bucharest
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Bucharest?
Around 67% of surveyed residents think that living in Bucharest is affordable with proper budgeting while 33% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Bucharest
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 29,000 RON | 59,000 RON | 79,000 RON |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
Utility Bill - Family
| 140 RON | 690 RON | 6,900 RON |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 1,200 RON | 1,800 RON | 4,700 RON |
1-bedroom apartment
| 1,800 RON | 2,900 RON | 7,300 RON |
2-bedroom apartment
| 2,500 RON | 3,700 RON | 9,900 RON |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 250,000 RON | 370,000 RON | 740,000 RON |
1-bedroom apartment
| 310,000 RON | 510,000 RON | 1.9M RON |
| $67,000 | $110,000 | $420,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| 470,000 RON | 1.4M RON | 2.8M RON |
| $100,000 | $310,000 | $620,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 1,200 RON | 1,500 RON | 2,000 RON |
Double Bed
| 830 RON | 1,200 RON | 1,600 RON |
Single Bed
| 750 RON | 980 RON | 1,300 RON |
Living Room
| 1,500 RON | 1,900 RON | 6,500 RON |
Dining Table
| 610 RON | 810 RON | 1,500 RON |
Sofa or Couch
| 830 RON | 1,100 RON | 2,500 RON |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 840 RON | 1,300 RON | 2,500 RON |
Fridge or Freezer
| 760 RON | 1,200 RON | 1,600 RON |
Washing Machine
| 920 RON | 1,300 RON | 2,400 RON |
Stove or Cooker
| 880 RON | 1,100 RON | 1,500 RON |
Mobile Phone
| 1,000 RON | 1,300 RON | 1,800 RON |
Laptop or Computer
| 1,200 RON | 1,400 RON | 2,600 RON |
Low-cost alternatives in Bucharest
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options57%
Few low-cost options43%
Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Bucharest have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Bucharest
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Bucharest and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Bucharest:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 24,000 RON |
| 30 | 48,000 RON |
| 35 | 86,000 RON |
| 40 | 130,000 RON |
| 45 | 180,000 RON |
| 50 | 250,000 RON |
| 55 | 310,000 RON |
| 60 | 390,000 RON |
| 65 | 440,000 RON |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 12% |
| Savings | 23% |
| Investments | 12% |
| Social Security | 7% |
| Annuities | 7% |
| Part-time Job | 13% |
| Real Estate | 18% |
| Dividends and Interest | 7% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Bucharest 770 RON
$170 | 6,900 RON
$1,500 | 77,000 RON
$17,000 |
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes62%
No38%
Based on the survey, 38% of the people living in Bucharest said that they don't have an emergency fund while 62% said that they do.
Saving Challenges in Bucharest
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bucharest. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 5% |
| High Expenses | 8% |
| Debt and Loans | 15% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 11% |
| Impulsive Spending | 11% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 6% |
| Will do it later | 19% |
| Inflation | 12% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 15% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Bucharest
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
95%
86% to 110%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 5% |
| 50% - 60% | 10% |
| 60% - 70% | 16% |
| 70% - 80% | 25% |
| 80% - 90% | 19% |
| 90% - 100% | 10% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Bucharest is 95%
This means that on average, people spend around 95% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
79%
98%
Couple
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
86%
110%
Family
98%
Spending-Income-Ratio
88%
110%
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Bucharest
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Bucharest
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Bucharest is approximatly 25 RON with meal cost ranging from 12 RON to 41 RON. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 43 RON and 130 RON with 64 RON being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Bucharest.
Fine dining meal for one price
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 82 RON to 490 RON with the average cost being 120 RON for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Bucharest.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Bucharest is around 17 RON. Price ranges between 11 RON and 25 RON depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Bucharest is 10 RON. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 13 RON and the minimum being 8.6 RON depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 8.2 RON on average with 6.1 RON and 12 RON being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Bucharest is between 15 RON and 27 RON depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 19 RON.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 27 RON. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Bucharest costs around 8.9 RON on average with prices rangeing between 6.5 RON and 13 RON depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 2.5 RON to 6.2 RON. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 5.9 RON on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Bucharest is around 30%. This means that people spend 30% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 21% to 37% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 1,400 RON per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 200 RON and 15,000 RON depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 1,800 RON per month. That number can be get as low as 270 RON or a high as 16,000 RON. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 520 RON to 26,000 RON with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
Financial Literacy in
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy62%
We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 38% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 62% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 41% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 59% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance41%
Easily manages finances59%
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bucharest
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Bucharest
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,200 RON | 1,800 RON | 4,700 RON |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,800 RON | 2,900 RON | 7,300 RON |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 2,500 RON | 3,700 RON | 9,900 RON |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 3,100 RON | 5,100 RON | 14,000 RON |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 5,800 RON | 15,000 RON | 29,000 RON |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 4,800 RON | 7,100 RON | 20,000 RON |
House monthly rent cost
| 5,800 RON | 15,000 RON | 29,000 RON |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 7,100 RON | 18,000 RON | 28,000 RON |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bucharest ranges between 1,200 RON and 4,700 RON, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,800 RON to 7,300 RON. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,500 RON and 9,900 RON per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,100 RON to 14,000 RON. The average rent of a townhouse in Bucharest is around 7,100 RON while house rental costs can be as high as 15,000 RON per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 7,100 RON to 28,000 RON per month.
Apartment and house prices in Bucharest
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 250,000 RON | 370,000 RON | 740,000 RON |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 310,000 RON | 510,000 RON | 1.9M RON |
| $67,000 | $110,000 | $420,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 470,000 RON | 1.4M RON | 2.8M RON |
| $100,000 | $310,000 | $620,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 1.6M RON | 2.4M RON | 7.3M RON |
Townhouse price
House price
Villa price
The average price of a studio apartment in Bucharest can range from 250,000 RON to 740,000 RON depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 310,000 RON to 1.9M RON. A villa can cost you 17M RON on average with prices ranging from 3.1M RON to 25M RON.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bucharest will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 54 | x160 monthly income | 287 |
Property prices in Bucharest can be x160 to x287 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x160 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bucharest.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Bucharest is around 39%. This means that people pay 39% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 27% to 51% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
30% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Cost of living comparison by city
#1 Brasov
The average cost of living in Brasov is 5,500 RON, which is 50% less than the country average. Brasov is ranked first in Romania in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#2 Timisoara
The average cost of living in Timisoara is 6,500 RON, which is 40% less than the country average. Timisoara is ranked second in Romania in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#3 Cluj-Napoca
The average cost of living in Cluj-Napoca is 7,900 RON, which is 30% less than the country average. Cluj-Napoca is ranked third in Romania in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#4 Sibiu
The average cost of living in Sibiu is 8,900 RON, which is 20% less than the country average. Sibiu is ranked fourth in Romania in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#5 Bucharest
The average cost of living in Bucharest is 10,000 RON, which is same as the country average. Bucharest is ranked fifth in Romania in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
Published: December 18, 2024 Last Update: April 27, 2025
