In 2025, average salaries across Romania’s major cities vary significantly — and so does the cost of living. While an identical salary may look appealing on paper, its purchasing power differs widely depending on where you live. According to data from the first quarter of the year, the average monthly net salary in Bucharest was around 5,500 lei, compared to 5,000 lei in Cluj-Napoca and roughly 4,600 lei in Timișoara.
Meanwhile, the cost-of-living index (excluding rent) is estimated at ~45.5 for Bucharest, ~43.0 for Cluj-Napoca, according to Numbeo.

This comparison looks at the three cities based on key expenses — housing, transport and utilities, food, and leisure — to determine where your money goes further.

Housing

• In Cluj-Napoca, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs on average about 3,228 lei/month, compared to roughly 2,920 lei/month in Bucharest.
• In Timișoara, rent for the same type of apartment is noticeably lower, at around 2,121 lei/month in central areas.

Conclusion: If you’re renting and your salary is the same, you’ll have more financial breathing room in Timișoara than in Cluj-Napoca or Bucharest.

Transport, utilities, and daily expenses

The overall Cost of Living Index shows values of approximately 42.2 for Bucharest, 40.2 for Cluj-Napoca, and 37.9 for Timișoara (Wise, April 2025).
These moderate differences suggest that beyond housing, day-to-day costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities remain relatively similar — with the main advantage again found in rent and property costs.

Food and leisure

According to Numbeo’s data comparing Bucharest and Cluj:

• A three-course lunch in a mid-range restaurant costs about 45 lei in Bucharest vs. 43 lei in Cluj.
• A private full-day kindergarten costs roughly 2,923 lei/month in Bucharest vs. 2,306 lei in Cluj.

So, while Cluj is slightly cheaper in a few “extra” spending categories, the difference isn’t dramatic.

Purchasing power and conclusion

The Local Purchasing Power Index stands at around 77.5 for Bucharest and 78.3 for Cluj-Napoca, indicating that a similar salary provides a comparable standard of living in both cities.
However, for those who rent, Timișoara offers the most balanced equation between salary, living costs, and housing affordability.

Practical verdict

• If rent is your biggest concern → Timișoara is the best choice.
• If you’re looking for career growth in IT, startups, or creative industries → Cluj-Napoca remains attractive, though rent is the steepest.
• If you earn above average and value access to public transport, events, and cultural life → Bucharest justifies its higher prices.

Sources

• “Cost of Living in Romania. Prices in Romania. Updated Sep 2025.” – Numbeo
• “Cost of Living Comparison Between Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.” – Numbeo
• “Cost of Living in Romania: 2025 prices.” – Wise
• “Romania’s Top-Paying Cities (Q1 2025).” – Romania Insider
• “Cost of Living in Timișoara in Jun 2025.” – Nomads.com