How much does a day in Bucharest cost?

A day in Bucharest typically costs between 30 and 100 EUR per person, depending on your travel style. A budget day (hostel, cheap eats, public transport) runs about 30–40 EUR. A comfortable mid-range day is 50–70 EUR. A premium experience with a boutique hotel and good restaurants can exceed 100 EUR per day.

What currency is used in Bucharest?

Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Bucharest. Avoid airport exchange booths — the rates are poor. The best rates are at city centre exchange offices (casa de schimb) or simply using your bank card at an ATM. Many places also accept EUR informally, but you'll get a worse rate.

How much does accommodation cost in Bucharest?

Accommodation prices in Bucharest range from 70–120 RON/night for a hostel dorm bed, 200–350 RON for a budget hotel, 400–650 RON for a decent mid-range hotel, and 700–1200+ RON for boutique or luxury hotels. The Old Town (Centrul Vechi) area offers great access to nightlife and restaurants. Book in advance, especially on weekends.

Is Bucharest an expensive city?

Compared to other European capitals, Bucharest is quite affordable — cheaper than Warsaw, Prague, or Budapest. A budget traveler can get by on 30–50 EUR per day including accommodation. A mid-range traveler lives very well on 50–80 EUR per day. You can find high-quality experiences at prices 30–50% lower than Western Europe.

How much does public transport cost in Bucharest?

An STB ticket (bus, tram, trolleybus) costs 3 RON, while a metro ticket costs 5 RON — they are separate systems with separate tickets. An STB day pass is 8 RON, a metro day pass is 12 RON, and an integrated STB + Metro day pass is 18 RON. A Bolt or Uber ride within the city costs 15–40 RON depending on distance and time. Official taxis charge 1.79–2.50 RON/km — always check the meter is running.

How much does food cost in Bucharest?

A lunch menu (set meal with soup and main course) at a local restaurant costs 30–50 RON. A full dinner at a mid-range restaurant with drinks runs 80–150 RON per person. Street food (covrigi, mici, placinta) costs 5–15 RON. A specialty coffee is 12–18 RON. A beer at a bar is 12–20 RON, a cocktail 30–50 RON.

Is Bucharest cheaper than Prague or Budapest?

Yes, Bucharest is 20–40% cheaper than Prague and 15–25% cheaper than Budapest for accommodation, dining, and transport. A mid-range hotel in Bucharest averages 400–650 RON/night, compared to the equivalent of 600–900 RON in Prague. Restaurant meals are 25–35% cheaper, and public transport is significantly more affordable. Bucharest offers excellent value for money for tourists.

How much does Therme Bucharest cost?

Therme Bucharest is the largest covered wellness center in Europe. A full-day ticket with access to thermal waters, pools, and saunas costs approximately 120–180 RON per person in 2026, depending on the day of the week and entry time. Book online in advance for the best price and to avoid queues. It's best enjoyed as a full-day experience.

Bucharest Budget Calculator (2026) — Estimate Your Trip Cost

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Planning a trip to Bucharest and want to know how much it will cost? This budget calculator helps you estimate your total travel expenses — from accommodation and food to transport and cultural activities — in seconds. Enter the number of days, number of people, and your travel style, and the calculator will give you a realistic estimate based on current Bucharest prices (last verified March 2026).

Bucharest is one of Europe's best-value capital cities. You'll find specialty cafes, excellent restaurants, and boutique hotels at prices significantly lower than Western Europe. Whether you're on a tight budget or treating yourself to a premium experience, our guide helps you plan your trip with confidence.

Prices last verified: March 2026

Estimated total 3.135 RON

~EUR equivalent ~629 EUR

For a 3-day trip to Bucharest with 2 people at a mid-range standard, the estimated budget is between 1,500 and 2,000 RON per person (300–400 EUR). This estimate includes mid-range hotel accommodation, three meals per day at mid-range restaurants, mixed transport (public and rideshare), and a few cultural activities.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a day in Bucharest cost?
A day in Bucharest typically costs between 30 and 100 EUR per person, depending on your travel style. A budget day (hostel, cheap eats, public transport) runs about 30–40 EUR. A comfortable mid-range day is 50–70 EUR. A premium experience with a boutique hotel and good restaurants can exceed 100 EUR per day.
What currency is used in Bucharest?
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Bucharest. Avoid airport exchange booths — the rates are poor. The best rates are at city centre exchange offices (casa de schimb) or simply using your bank card at an ATM. Many places also accept EUR informally, but you'll get a worse rate.
How much does accommodation cost in Bucharest?
Accommodation prices in Bucharest range from 70–120 RON/night for a hostel dorm bed, 200–350 RON for a budget hotel, 400–650 RON for a decent mid-range hotel, and 700–1200+ RON for boutique or luxury hotels. The Old Town (Centrul Vechi) area offers great access to nightlife and restaurants. Book in advance, especially on weekends.
Is Bucharest an expensive city?
Compared to other European capitals, Bucharest is quite affordable — cheaper than Warsaw, Prague, or Budapest. A budget traveler can get by on 30–50 EUR per day including accommodation. A mid-range traveler lives very well on 50–80 EUR per day. You can find high-quality experiences at prices 30–50% lower than Western Europe.
How much does public transport cost in Bucharest?
An STB ticket (bus, tram, trolleybus) costs 3 RON, while a metro ticket costs 5 RON — they are separate systems with separate tickets. An STB day pass is 8 RON, a metro day pass is 12 RON, and an integrated STB + Metro day pass is 18 RON. A Bolt or Uber ride within the city costs 15–40 RON depending on distance and time. Official taxis charge 1.79–2.50 RON/km — always check the meter is running.
How much does food cost in Bucharest?
A lunch menu (set meal with soup and main course) at a local restaurant costs 30–50 RON. A full dinner at a mid-range restaurant with drinks runs 80–150 RON per person. Street food (covrigi, mici, placinta) costs 5–15 RON. A specialty coffee is 12–18 RON. A beer at a bar is 12–20 RON, a cocktail 30–50 RON.
Is Bucharest cheaper than Prague or Budapest?
Yes, Bucharest is 20–40% cheaper than Prague and 15–25% cheaper than Budapest for accommodation, dining, and transport. A mid-range hotel in Bucharest averages 400–650 RON/night, compared to the equivalent of 600–900 RON in Prague. Restaurant meals are 25–35% cheaper, and public transport is significantly more affordable. Bucharest offers excellent value for money for tourists.
How much does Therme Bucharest cost?
Therme Bucharest is the largest covered wellness center in Europe. A full-day ticket with access to thermal waters, pools, and saunas costs approximately 120–180 RON per person in 2026, depending on the day of the week and entry time. Book online in advance for the best price and to avoid queues. It's best enjoyed as a full-day experience.

Bucharest Trip Budget Calculator

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