Bucharest
New York

Bucharest vs New York — Cost of Living Comparison

Bucharest
Romania
VS
New York
United States
Estimated average living costs are ~300% lower in Bucharest

Bucharest

$1,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,794,590

Safety

70/100

Quality

58/100

Cost
35
Safety
70
Life
58

New York

$4,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,336,817

Safety

55/100

Quality

62/100

Cost
100
Safety
55
Life
62

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~300% lower in Bucharest

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Bucharest

$1,050

estimated per month

New York

$4,200

estimated per month

Difference

+300.0%

Monthly savings

$3,150

Yearly savings

$37,800

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$300,000

+$225,000/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBucharestNew YorkDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$500.00$3,450.00
+590.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$340.00$2,200.00
+547.1%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$900.00$6,500.00
+622.2%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$600.00$3,800.00
+533.3%
ItemBucharestNew YorkDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$7.00$25.00
+257.1%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$35.00$110.00
+214.3%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$6.00$12.00
+100.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.10$1.45
+31.8%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.60$4.20
+600.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$5.50
+358.3%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.50$4.80
+92.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.50$14.50
+163.6%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$6.20
+416.7%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.30$2.10
+61.5%
ItemBucharestNew YorkDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$20.00$132.00
+560.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.60$2.90
+383.3%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.80$3.50
+337.5%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.45$2.20
+388.9%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.45$1.05
-27.6%
ItemBucharestNew YorkDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$120.00$190.00
+58.3%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$8.00$55.00
+587.5%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$10.00$68.00
+580.0%
ItemBucharestNew YorkDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$30.00$250.00
+733.3%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$28.00$200.00
+614.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$6.00$55.00
+816.7%
ItemBucharestNew YorkDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00$95.00
+216.7%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$6.50$18.00
+176.9%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.50$5.50
+120.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.80$9.00
+221.4%
ItemBucharestNew YorkDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$60.00$55.00
-8.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$28.00$42.00
+50.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$75.00$95.00
+26.7%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Bucharest vs New York

Is Bucharest or New York more expensive?
New York is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 100 compared with 35 for Bucharest.
How much cheaper is Bucharest than New York?
Living in Bucharest is around 65% cheaper than New York, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Bucharest and New York?
Bucharest scores 35 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while New York scores 100 — where New York City equals 100.