Prague vs Bucharest — Cost of Living Comparison

Updated March 2026 · Monthly costs in EUR
Bucharest is 30.7% less expensive than Prague
Based on rent, groceries, dining, transport, utilities, and internet

Side-by-side monthly costs

CategoryPragueBucharestDifference
Rent (city centre)€850€550-35.3%
Rent (outside centre)€600€380-36.7%
Groceries€250€200-20.0%
Restaurant (meal for 2)€30€25-16.7%
Public transport€22€20-9.1%
Utilities€180€130-27.8%
Internet€18€10-44.4%
Total monthly€1,350€935-30.7%

Bucharest is 30.7% less expensive than Prague overall. The biggest difference is in rent, where Prague costs significantly more. Keep in mind that tax rates differ between Czech Republic and Romania, so your take-home salary may shift the real comparison further.

Monthly budget comparison

Prague, Czech Republic
€1,350/mo
Bucharest, Romania
€935/mo

These figures cover a single person renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, buying groceries, eating out occasionally, using public transport, and paying for utilities and internet. Actual costs vary depending on lifestyle.

See what your salary is really worth after tax

Compare any two European cities side by side