Bucharest
Tokyo

Bucharest vs Tokyo — Cost of Living Comparison

Bucharest
Romania
VS
Tokyo
Japan
Estimated average living costs are ~224% 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

Tokyo

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,960,000

Safety

86/100

Quality

80/100

Cost
82
Safety
86
Life
80

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~224% lower in Bucharest

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Bucharest

$1,050

estimated per month

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

+223.8%

Monthly savings

$2,350

Yearly savings

$28,200

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)

$242,857

+$167,857/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

ItemBucharestTokyoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$500.00$1,150.00
+130.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$340.00$720.00
+111.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$900.00$2,650.00
+194.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$600.00$1,550.00
+158.3%
ItemBucharestTokyoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$7.00$7.50
+7.1%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$35.00$45.00
+28.6%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$6.00$6.50
+8.3%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.10$2.10
+90.9%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.60$2.20
+266.7%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$4.50
+275.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.50$2.80
+12.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.50$8.50
+54.5%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$6.50
+441.7%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.30$3.80
+192.3%
ItemBucharestTokyoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$20.00$100.00
+400.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.60$1.80
+200.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.80$4.50
+462.5%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.45$3.20
+611.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.45$1.35
-6.9%
ItemBucharestTokyoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$120.00$195.00
+62.5%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$8.00$35.00
+337.5%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$10.00$40.00
+300.0%
ItemBucharestTokyoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$30.00$35.00
+16.7%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$28.00$55.00
+96.4%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$6.00$15.00
+150.0%
ItemBucharestTokyoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00$75.00
+150.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$6.50$13.00
+100.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.50$4.20
+68.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.80$5.00
+78.6%
ItemBucharestTokyoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$60.00$65.00
+8.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$28.00$38.00
+35.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$75.00$85.00
+13.3%

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

Frequently asked questions: Bucharest vs Tokyo

Is Bucharest or Tokyo more expensive?
Tokyo is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 82 compared with 35 for Bucharest.
How much cheaper is Bucharest than Tokyo?
Living in Bucharest is around 57% cheaper than Tokyo, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Bucharest and Tokyo?
Bucharest scores 35 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Tokyo scores 82 — where New York City equals 100.