Romania Cost of Living 2026

Romania’s price level was 40% of the United States in 2023. That gives a simple benchmark for comparing everyday costs before you move for study.

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Price level, against the United States

40%

A basket of goods costing $100 in the United States costs about $40 in Romania, at market exchange rates. This is a whole-economy average from the World Bank (2023), not a student budget — rent near a university and a student's own habits move it a long way in both directions.

A price level measure compares the overall cost of goods and services with the United States. It is useful for getting a broad sense of affordability, but it does not give a full student budget on its own.

In Romania, the overall price level suggests lower day-to-day costs than in the United States. The numbers available here do not break out rent, food, or transport, so those items should be checked separately before planning a budget.

What will move a student budget most is the mix of housing, meals, local travel, and study-related spending. Those costs can differ a lot by city and by university, so compare them directly before deciding where to live and study.

Romania has 63 universities, including the University of Craiova, Emanuel University, the University of Medicine and Pharmacology of Oradea, Oradea University, the University of Constanta Medical School, and the University Politehnica of Bucharest. Use the price level as a starting point, then build your budget around the exact city and university you choose.