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London vs Bucharest

Bucharest runs about 67% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 2,716 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Floreasca business district in Bucharest, Romania, as seen from Lake Herăstrău.
Bucharest
$1,334/month · Romania
Madalin Pentelie · CC0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Bucharest monthly
$1,334
Index 21 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-67%
Bucharest relative to London
Rent gap
$2,000
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonBucharest
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Bucharest $600. Cheaper in Bucharest.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Bucharest $385. Cheaper in Bucharest.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Bucharest $45. Cheaper in Bucharest.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Bucharest $134. Cheaper in Bucharest.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Bucharest $17. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Bucharest $99. Cheaper in Bucharest.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Bucharest $54. Cheaper in Bucharest.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonBucharest
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD1,334 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6321✓
Housing2,600 USD600 USD✓
Utilities267 USD134 USD✓
Food617 USD385 USD✓
Transport282 USD45 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓17 USD
Lifestyle169 USD99 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD✓4,583 USD
Effective tax + social rate28.6%✓45.0%
Left over each month1,902 USD3,249 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD✓1,200 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD600 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD1,100 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD2,400 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/10074/100✓
Healthcare84/100✓62/100
Air quality60/100✓46/100
Public transport92/100✓78/100
Walkability90/100✓72/100
English proficiency100/100✓60/100
Nightlife94/100✓86/100
Family friendliness72/100✓70/100
Median broadband90 Mbps260 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature12°C12°C
Summer high23°C✓30°C
Winter low3°C✓-4°C
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h2,120 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm600 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access90 min✓None nearby
CurrencyGBPRON
Time zoneEurope/LondonEurope/Bucharest

Bucharest runs about 67% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 2,716 USD a month.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Bucharest cheaper?

Bucharest runs about 67% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 2,716 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Bucharest compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $4,583 in Bucharest, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Bucharest?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Bucharest scores 74 and 62. London averages 12°C against 12°C in Bucharest.