Cost of Living in Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest has a cost of living index of 45/100 (New York = 100). It is 55% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

45/100
Cost Index
$1,260/mo
Median Income
71/100
Safety Index
continental
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 35/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$665/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$460/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,050/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 42/100
Milk (1 liter)$1/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.2/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.5/kg
Dining OutScore: 38/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$9/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$35/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$6/meal
TransportationScore: 25/100
Monthly Transit Pass$30/month
One-Way Ticket$0.7/trip
Taxi (1 km)$1/km
UtilitiesScore: 30/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$90/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$25/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$15/month
HealthcareScore: 50/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$40/visit
Dentist Visit$60/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$8/course
EntertainmentScore: 40/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$8/ticket
Theater Ticket$25/ticket
Museum Entry$10/ticket
FitnessScore: 35/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$28/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$12/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$5/entry
Personal CareScore: 35/100
Haircut (Men)$12/cut
Haircut (Women)$25/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3/bottle
ClothingScore: 40/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$45/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$28/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$65/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

120 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Lipscani, Obor, Dorobanți

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bucharest cheap to live in?

Bucharest has a cost of living index of 45/100, where New York = 100. It is 55% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $900–$1,260 per month.

How much does rent cost in Bucharest?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Bucharest costs approximately $665/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $460/month.

Is Bucharest good for digital nomads?

Bucharest has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 120 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Bucharest?

The median net monthly salary in Bucharest is approximately $1,260 USD. The income tax rate is around 10%.

How does Bucharest compare to New York for cost of living?

Bucharest (cost index 45) is 55% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,375/month by moving from New York to Bucharest.

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