Is Bucharest expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Bucharest is one of the cheaper capitals in the EU: food, drink, taxis and hotels cost noticeably less than in Western Europe and are similar to or slightly below Budapest or Prague. A budget traveller needs about 230 lei (roughly €46) a day, mid-range about 500 lei and comfort about 1,090 lei per person. Hotels and restaurant meals take most of the money; transport is very cheap.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | lei100 | lei220 | lei500 |
| Food & drink | lei80 | lei160 | lei350 |
| Sights & tickets | lei40 | lei90 | lei160 |
| Local transport | lei10 | lei30 | lei80 |
| Per person, per day | lei230 | lei500 | lei1,090 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Bucharest day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Mici (grilled sausage), each | about 4–6 lei |
| Main course at Caru' cu Bere | about 50–80 lei |
| Full meal with local wine, per person | about 80–150 lei |
| Metro single ride | about 5 lei |
| Palace of the Parliament guided tour | about 60–80 lei |
| Village Museum ticket | about 30 lei |
| Bolt/Uber from the airport | roughly 60–90 lei |
| Mid-range double, central | 350–600 lei |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost, from 150–300 lei in the Old Town and Universitate area to 700–1,500 lei in the grand hotels on Calea Victoriei or in Floreasca. Eating out in the centre adds up if you stick to the Old Town's tourist restaurants, while sights are cheap: the Palace of the Parliament tour, the Village Museum and the Athenaeum are all under 100 lei. Metro rides and ride-hailing are inexpensive, so getting around barely registers.
When it is cheaper
Late autumn and winter outside the Christmas market weeks are the cheapest for hotels. Prices do not swing as much as in beach destinations; weekends with events are the main exception.
How to spend less
- Use Bolt or Uber instead of street taxis; fares are low and fixed in the app.
- Take the express bus 783 or the train from Otopeni Airport rather than a car.
- Eat away from the main Old Town lanes, where prices are highest.
- Buy mici and fresh produce at Obor market.
- Try Romanian wines from Dealu Mare instead of imported labels.
- Check bills carefully in Old Town bars, especially those with hostesses inviting you in.
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Common questions
Is Bucharest expensive?
No. It is one of the cheaper EU capitals: about 230 lei (roughly €46) a day on a budget and 500 lei mid-range per person.
How much is the Palace of the Parliament tour?
About 60–80 lei for a guided tour; book a day or more ahead and bring your passport.
How much is a taxi from the airport?
Roughly 60–90 lei by Bolt or Uber. Express bus 783 or the train is much cheaper.