Student life in Bucharest can be a fascinating experience, but also an expensive one. The capital offers numerous educational and cultural opportunities, but these come together with a higher standard of living than in many other cities in Romania. In 2026, a student must carefully plan their monthly budget in order to cope with expenses related to housing, transport, food, and daily activities. Costs vary significantly depending on lifestyle, the area where the student lives, and how they manage their money. However, there are certain financial benchmarks that can provide a realistic picture of monthly expenses. In general, in order to live decently in Bucharest, a student needs approximately 3,500–5,000 lei per month.

Rent, the largest expense

Housing represents, by far, the most important expense for a student in Bucharest. Rental prices have steadily increased in recent years, and in 2026 the differences between neighborhoods can be significant.

For a studio apartment, the average rent can reach approximately 570 euros per month, but in more accessible areas prices can start from 330–380 euros. In neighborhoods such as Militari, Pantelimon, or Drumul Taberei, students can find cheaper housing, while central or exclusive areas are much more expensive.

A two-room apartment reaches on average almost 975 euros, which is why many students choose to share housing with classmates or friends. This solution significantly reduces costs and allows the sharing of utility expenses.

Besides rent, utilities must also be taken into account. Bills for maintenance, electricity, gas, and internet can add between 300 and 900 lei per month, depending on the season and the type of housing.

In the most economical option, when the student shares the housing with others, rent and utilities can reach 1,600–2,500 lei per month. This is why many young people choose dormitory rooms or shared apartments.

Transport and daily travel

Public transport is essential for most students, because universities are spread across different areas of the city. Fortunately, Bucharest has an extensive network of metro and surface transport, which makes travel relatively affordable.

A monthly integrated subscription for metro and surface transport costs approximately 160 lei, while separate subscriptions can cost about 80 lei for surface transport and 100 lei for the metro.

In practice, transport adds approximately 150–200 lei to a student’s monthly budget. The cost may be lower for those who benefit from student discounts or who live close to the university.

Housing located far from the metro may seem cheaper at first glance, but the additional transport expenses and lost time can offset the difference in rent. For this reason, many students prefer areas well connected to public transport.

Food and daily expenses

Food represents the second major category of expenses for students. Costs depend very much on personal habits and on the frequency of going out.

A student who cooks at home and shops carefully can spend approximately 1,200–1,600 lei monthly on food and basic products. This amount also includes hygiene products or small daily purchases.

Those who prefer restaurants or frequent deliveries can easily exceed this budget. Even occasional outings to events or concerts can cost between 100 and 200 lei each time.

In order to save money, many students choose to cook at home and take advantage of discounts offered in supermarkets. Planning purchases is one of the most effective methods of controlling the budget.

Pocket money and lifestyle

Besides essential expenses, any student also needs pocket money. This covers social activities, clothes, study materials, and unexpected expenses.

Entertainment and free time can cost at least 200–400 lei per month, depending on the frequency of outings. This category includes going to the cinema, cafés, shows, or small trips.

It is also recommended that students have a reserve fund of approximately 300–500 lei for unexpected situations, such as higher bills or medical expenses.

Pocket money depends very much on lifestyle. A student who lives modestly can significantly reduce expenses, while one who frequently participates in events will need a larger budget.

A realistic monthly budget

If all expenses are added together, a fairly clear picture of real costs emerges.

A student who lives in Bucharest generally needs a monthly budget of approximately 3,500–5,000 lei to cover rent, transport, food, and personal expenses.

The typical structure of the budget may look like this:

·       1,600–2,500 lei – rent and utilities

·       150–200 lei – transport

·       1,200–1,600 lei – food

·       500–900 lei – pocket money and various expenses

These values are indicative and can vary greatly depending on personal choices. Students who stay in dormitories or share apartments with several colleagues can reduce costs considerably.

Student life between budget and compromises

For most students, life in Bucharest involves a series of compromises. Many choose to live together with colleagues in order to reduce rent or accept housing farther from the university for lower prices.

At the same time, student discounts for transport, culture, or events can make a difference in the monthly budget. Careful organization of expenses becomes an essential skill in order to cope with life in a large city.

Even if Bucharest is a relatively expensive city for students, it remains one of the most important university centers in Romania. The high costs are compensated by the educational and professional opportunities that the capital offers.

In the end, being a student in Bucharest in 2026 means more than a financial calculation. It is a period of formation and discovery, and the way each person manages their budget can make the difference between a difficult experience and a balanced one. 

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