In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Romania - any experiences?
Romania is one of Europe’s hidden bargains. A plate of sarmale or mici at a local place costs €4-6, and even restaurant dinners with soup and drinks are €10-1City buses or trams are €0.60, and intercity trains €8-15. Tips are around 10%. On a backpacker budget, €30-35 daily covers three meals, transport, and tips easily. Romania’s castles, monasteries, and mountain hikes often have low entry fees (€5-7). If you’re planning a month-long trip, €1,000 is more than enough unless you splurge heavily.
Probably spent around 100 RON some days, then 200 on others. It evens out. I did lots of walking, free stuff like hiking around Busteni, and bought food at Carrefour. Romania’s one of the few places in Europe I didn’t feel broke halfway through. Solid value all around.
I rented a small flat in Cluj-Napoca and worked from cafés, so my daily average was more like 250-300 RON. Coffee’s cheap, coworking spots are solid, and eating out isn’t bad if you avoid tourist traps. You can go lower, but I like my creature comforts. Worth it for the vibe.
For a month, I averaged about 180 RON/day. Stayed in guesthouses, had one proper meal out a day, used Bolt or the bus, and did day trips to places like Brasov and Sinaia. Entry fees for castles add up a bit, but nothing wild. Even with a few splurges, it stayed manageable.