Cost of Living: Romania vs Singapore

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Romania and Singapore.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Romania is 84.3% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 88.6% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $16 in Romania for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 88.6%

Romania is 88.6% cheaper

Rent Per Month 85.2%

Romania is 85.2% cheaper

Transportation 79.8%

Romania is 79.8% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 84.3%

Romania is 84.3% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

  • Household Utilities +0.1%

Is Romania cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Romania is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Romania are 84.3% lower than in Singapore.

Where Romania is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 88.6% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 85.2% cheaper
  • Transportation 79.8% cheaper

Where Romania is more expensive:

  • Household Utilities 0.1% more expensive

Practical Examples

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Romania: 484.71 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
84.6% cheaper in Romania

Monthly public transport pass

Romania: 22.46 $ Singapore: 93.46 $
76.0% cheaper in Romania

1 liter of milk

Romania: 1.56 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
48.2% cheaper in Romania

1 liter of gasoline

Romania: 1.58 $ Singapore: 2.22 $
28.8% cheaper in Romania

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Romania is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 84.3% on living expenses by choosing Romania over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

84.3%

Romania is 84.3% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

28.2%

Romania is 28.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Markets

62.3%

Romania is 62.3% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

53.5%

Romania is 53.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

79.8%

Romania is 79.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

0.1%

Romania is 0.1% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

68.6%

Romania is 68.6% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

49.2%

Romania is 49.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Childcare

67.0%

Romania is 67.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

21.0%

Romania is 21.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

85.2%

Romania is 85.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

88.6%

Romania is 88.6% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

74.8%

Romania is 74.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Romania Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 11.23 $ 10.90 $ 3.0%
Romania is 3.0% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 49.42 $ 77.88 $ 36.5%
Romania is 36.5% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 7.86 $ 7.79 $ 0.9%
Romania is 0.9% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 2.82 $ 4.88 $ 42.2%
Romania is 42.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.98 $ 1.68 $ 17.9%
Romania is 17.9% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.81 $ 1.22 $ 48.4%
Romania is 48.4% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.83 $ 1.52 $ 45.4%
Romania is 45.4% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 1.63 $ 2.00 $ 18.5%
Romania is 18.5% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.39 $ 2.49 $ 4.0%
Romania is 4.0% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 6.83 $ 10.00 $ 31.7%
Romania is 31.7% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.23 $ 2.21 $ 44.3%
Romania is 44.3% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.56 $ 3.01 $ 48.2%
Romania is 48.2% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.22 $ 2.35 $ 48.1%
Romania is 48.1% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.73 $ 2.92 $ 40.8%
Romania is 40.8% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 3.22 $ 3.35 $ 3.9%
Romania is 3.9% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.76 $ 19.37 $ 54.8%
Romania is 54.8% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 6.63 $ 11.15 $ 40.5%
Romania is 40.5% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 9.97 $ 15.21 $ 34.5%
Romania is 34.5% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 1.16 $ 4.57 $ 74.6%
Romania is 74.6% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.61 $ 2.97 $ 45.8%
Romania is 45.8% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.58 $ 4.51 $ 65.0%
Romania is 65.0% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.17 $ 2.71 $ 19.9%
Romania is 19.9% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.92 $ 2.39 $ 61.5%
Romania is 61.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.98 $ 2.20 $ 55.5%
Romania is 55.5% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.93 $ 1.86 $ 50.0%
Romania is 50.0% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 22.46 $ 93.46 $ 76.0%
Romania is 76.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 6.07 $ 13.05 $ 53.5%
Romania is 53.5% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.79 $ 1.56 $ 49.4%
Romania is 49.4% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.90 $ 3.58 $ 74.9%
Romania is 74.9% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.79 $ 0.78 $ 1.3%
Romania is 1.3% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 7.51 $ 16.28 $ 53.9%
Romania is 53.9% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.58 $ 2.22 $ 28.8%
Romania is 28.8% cheaper
New Economy Car 27,618.06 $ 140,192.38 $ 80.3%
Romania is 80.3% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 26,745.83 $ 128,887.54 $ 79.2%
Romania is 79.2% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 158.44 $ 158.22 $ 0.1%
Romania is 0.1% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 8.13 $ 18.54 $ 56.1%
Romania is 56.1% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 9.62 $ 37.95 $ 74.7%
Romania is 74.7% cheaper
Gym Membership 43.53 $ 115.77 $ 62.4%
Romania is 62.4% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 19.56 $ 12.22 $ 60.1%
Romania is 60.1% more expensive
Movie Ticket 7.86 $ 11.68 $ 32.7%
Romania is 32.7% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 487.43 $ 1,272.43 $ 61.7%
Romania is 61.7% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 9,752.84 $ 29,780.50 $ 67.3%
Romania is 67.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 67.78 $ 80.91 $ 16.2%
Romania is 16.2% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 40.43 $ 42.93 $ 5.8%
Romania is 5.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 81.27 $ 105.33 $ 22.8%
Romania is 22.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 91.33 $ 126.28 $ 27.7%
Romania is 27.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 484.71 $ 3,140.74 $ 84.6%
Romania is 84.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 355.56 $ 2,267.71 $ 84.3%
Romania is 84.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 829.63 $ 6,205.41 $ 86.6%
Romania is 86.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 596.62 $ 3,723.55 $ 84.0%
Romania is 84.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 2,518.41 $ 22,697.92 $ 88.9%
Romania is 88.9% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,773.79 $ 15,076.91 $ 88.2%
Romania is 88.2% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 1,038.85 $ 4,151.48 $ 75.0%
Romania is 75.0% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.83 3.17 115.5%
Romania is 115.5% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Singapore. Enter your monthly expenses in Romania to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Romania and Singapore goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Romania vs Singapore

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Romania

Singapore

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.