Is Romania Expensive? Daily Travel Budget
No, Romania is still cheaper than most of Western Europe, although prices have risen in recent years. As a rough guide, budget travellers can manage on about €40–70 a day, mid-range travellers on €80–130 and those looking for comfort should count on €180 or more, not including flights. Bucharest, Brașov’s old town and the ski resorts in high season are the most expensive places. For the rest of your planning, see our Discover Romania guide.
Below you will find daily budgets by travel style, typical prices and tips to make your money go further. All prices are indicative and change with the season, so check current prices before you travel.
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Key facts
- Romania is cheaper than most of Western Europe, but prices have risen in recent years.
- Indicative daily budgets per person: €40–70 (budget), €80–130 (mid-range), €180+ (comfort), excluding flights.
- Bucharest, Brașov’s old town and ski resorts in high season are the most expensive places.
- Trains, guesthouses (pensiune) and lunch menus (meniul zilei) help you save.
- All prices on this page are indicative; check current prices before you book.
Daily Budget by Travel Style
These ranges are per person and per day, sharing a room where relevant, and do not include flights:
| Style | Accommodation | Food and drink | Transport and sights | Total per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hostel or simple guesthouse | Lunch menus, markets | Trains and buses, free sights | €40–70 |
| Mid-range | Hotel or comfortable guesthouse | Restaurants twice a day | Trains, some tickets and a tour | €80–130 |
| Comfort | Boutique or upscale hotel | Good restaurants and wine | Rental car or private tours | €180+ |
Typical Prices in Romania
As a rough guide, these are typical prices in 2026. Expect higher prices in Bucharest and tourist hotspots and lower ones in the countryside:
- Coffee: about €2–3. Beer or soft drink: about €2–4.
- Main course in a traditional restaurant: about €8–15.
- Dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant: about €30–50.
- Train Bucharest–Brașov: about €10–20, depending on the train and class.
- City ride with an app: often €3–8.
- Museum or castle ticket: often €5–15.
- Bear-watching evening tour: from around €80 per person (indicative).
Tours for Every Budget
A bike tour of Bucharest, a small-group day to Sighișoara, Viscri and Rupea and an evening at a bear hide. Prices on the cards are indicative; check the current price on Viator.
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Viator
Half-Day Bike Tour of Bucharest
Discover Bucharest by bike in half a day: parks, tree-lined avenues and the city’s best-known sights at a relaxed pace.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Small-Group Tour of Sighișoara, Viscri and Rupea from Brașov
A small-group day trip from Brașov to the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, the Saxon village of Viscri and Rupea Fortress: UNESCO heritage in one day.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
Viator
Wild Carpathian Nature: A Wildlife Experience from Brașov
A small-group experience focused on ethical brown bear watching with a guide in their natural habitat in the Carpathian forests, departing directly from Brașov.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
* Prices are indicative and subject to seasonal variations or changes applied by the official provider. The exact price and availability are confirmed on the booking platform.
What Makes a Trip More Expensive
A few things push the budget up quickly:
- High season: July, August and the Christmas holidays, especially in Brașov, Sibiu and the ski resorts.
- Bucharest: hotels and restaurants in the centre are noticeably pricier than in smaller towns.
- Private tours and car rental: convenient, but they add up; small-group tours are a good middle ground.
- Currency conversion: paying in your own currency instead of lei. Read our guide to money in Romania.
How to Save Money in Romania
Romania rewards a little planning:
- Travel in late spring or early autumn, when prices are lower and the weather is pleasant. See the best time to visit Romania.
- Take the train between the main cities instead of renting a car for the whole trip.
- Look for lunch menus (meniul zilei), which are much cheaper than à la carte dinners.
- Stay in guesthouses (pensiune), often family-run and good value, especially in the countryside.
- Plan your route to avoid backtracking: our 7-day Romania itinerary shows an efficient loop.
Is Romania Expensive? FAQ
Is Romania cheap to visit?
Yes, compared with most of Western Europe. Prices have risen in recent years, and Bucharest and tourist hotspots in high season can be close to some western prices.
How much money do I need per day in Romania?
As a rough guide, €40–70 for budget travel, €80–130 for mid-range and €180 or more for comfort, per person and excluding flights.
How much does a meal cost in Romania?
A main course in a traditional restaurant is usually around €8–15, and lunch menus are cheaper. Prices are higher in Bucharest.
Is Bucharest more expensive than the rest of Romania?
Yes. Hotels and restaurants in central Bucharest cost noticeably more than in smaller towns and the countryside.
How much does a week in Romania cost?
Excluding flights, roughly €300–500 per person on a budget, €550–900 mid-range and over €1,200 for a comfortable trip with private tours.
How can I save money on a trip to Romania?
Travel outside high season, use trains, eat lunch menus, stay in guesthouses and always pay in lei.
