Cost of living in Bucharest (Romania) is 37% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 322 prices entered by 59 different people.
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Food | - 31% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Bucharest (Romania) is 31% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Bucharest | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 49 lei (€10) | €16 | - 39% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 33 lei (€7) | €9 | - 29% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 16 lei (€3.31) | €6 | - 45% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 8 lei (€1.52) | €1.45 | + 4% | |
12 eggs, large | 14 lei (€2.74) | €3.71 | - 26% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 10 lei (€2.06) | €2.34 | - 12% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 21 lei (€4.22) | €5.55 | - 24% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 4.66 lei (€0.94) | - | - | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 3.77 lei (€0.76) | €1.47 | - 49% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 4.73 lei (€0.95) | €0.75 | + 27% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 32 lei (€7) | €9 | - 25% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 10 lei (€1.95) | €1.80 | + 9% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 2.75 lei (€0.55) | €1.33 | - 58% | |
Housing | - 45% | |||
Housing in Bucharest (Romania) is 45% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Bucharest | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 4,228 lei (€849) | €1,563 | - 46% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 2,699 lei (€542) | €1,025 | - 47% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 579 lei (€116) | €225 | - 48% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 2,536 lei (€510) | €833 | - 39% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 1,894 lei (€381) | €656 | - 42% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 370 lei (€74) | €121 | - 38% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 36 lei (€7) | €28 | - 74% | |
40” flat screen tv | 1,360 lei (€273) | €426 | - 36% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 422 lei (€85) | €106 | - 20% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 48 lei (€10) | €6 | + 57% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 60 lei (€12) | €15 | - 21% | |
Clothes | - 23% | |||
Clothes in Bucharest (Romania) is 23% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Bucharest | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 342 lei (€69) | €96 | - 28% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 157 lei (€32) | €38 | - 16% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 407 lei (€82) | €88 | - 7% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 341 lei (€68) | €110 | - 38% | |
Transportation | - 49% | |||
Transportation in Bucharest (Romania) is 49% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Bucharest | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 109,060 lei (€21,912) | €20,272 | + 8% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 7 lei (€1.48) | €1.78 | - 17% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 87 lei (€18) | €55 | - 68% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | 26 lei (€5.24) | €21 | - 75% | |
Personal Care | - 16% | |||
Personal Care in Bucharest (Romania) is 16% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Bucharest | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 30 lei (€6.00) | - | - | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 41 lei (€8) | - | - | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 253 lei (€51) | €115 | - 56% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 24 lei (€4.73) | - | - | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 18 lei (€3.66) | €2.15 | + 71% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 23 lei (€4.70) | €3.71 | + 27% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 8 lei (€1.51) | €1.71 | - 12% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 16 lei (€3.16) | €2.11 | + 50% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 56 lei (€11) | €16 | - 32% | |
Entertainment | - 19% | |||
Entertainment in Bucharest (Romania) is 19% cheaper than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Bucharest | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 126 lei (€25) | €38 | - 33% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 60 lei (€12) | €21 | - 44% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 168 lei (€34) | €84 | - 60% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 214 lei (€43) | €79 | - 45% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 33 lei (€7) | €9 | - 29% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 14 lei (€2.87) | €3.89 | - 26% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 11 lei (€2.28) | €3.23 | - 29% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 3,810 lei (€765) | €440 | + 74% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 0.63 lei (€0.13) | €0.10 | + 28% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 183 lei (€37) | €50 | - 26% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 27 lei (€5.49) | €7 | - 19% | |
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TOTAL | - 37% |

These prices were last updated on April 24, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.20092
EUR
/
RON
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require €4,600 in Karlsruhe you would need to make just about €2,912 (14,496 lei) in Bucharest.
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