LifeCost Blog
Bucarest

Bucarest

Romania

Updated on August 16, 2025

Overview

Bucharest has affordable housing and a low cost of living compared to Western Europe. The job market is growing, especially in IT and services. Public transport is available but can be crowded and less reliable. Healthcare quality varies; private clinics offer better services. Winters are cold, summers hot. Safety is moderate; some areas require caution. The city is culturally rich with a mix of old and modern influences. Community life is evolving with increasing expat presence.

Average cost of living€841.92
Quality of Life74/100

Accommodation

Rent room (flat-share)€370.00
1-bed flat (center)€559.71
1-bed flat (outside)€375.21
3-bed flat (center)€1,172.00
3-bed flat (outside)€731.36

Utilities

Basic utilities€154.56
Internet€9.63
Mobile plan€7.82

Transportation

One-way ticket€0.98
Monthly pass€16.73
Taxi start€0.59
Gasoline (1 l)€1.43

Leisure

Cinema ticket€7.87
Fitness club€46.00

Education

Preschool (month)€582.23
Intl. primary (year)€12,449.00

Buying House

sqm in city center€3,078.00
sqm outside center€1,734.00

Advantages

  • Affordable housing and low cost of living
  • Growing IT and service job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Increasing expat community
  • Hot summers and cold winters

Disadvantages

  • × Public transport can be crowded and unreliable
  • × Variable healthcare quality
  • × Safety varies by neighborhood
  • × Traffic congestion
  • × Bureaucratic challenges