🇷🇴 Bucharest vs 🇩🇪 Cologne
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇷🇴
Bucharest
Romania
$1,231–$1,949/mo
lei5,595 – lei8,859 / month (local)
🇩🇪
Cologne
Germany
$2,215–$3,508/mo
€2,051 – €3,248 / month (local)
Cologne is 80% more expensive
Bucharest wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Bucharest (USD) | Cologne (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $923–$1,436 | $1,662–$2,585 | 🟢 Bucharest |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $487–$769 | $877–$1,385 | 🟢 Bucharest |
| Utilities | $38–$74 | $69–$134 | 🟢 Bucharest |
| Groceries | $195–$292 | $351–$526 | 🟢 Bucharest |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $26–$46 | $46–$83 | 🟢 Bucharest |
| Public transport (monthly) | $49–$59 | $88–$106 | 🟢 Bucharest |
| Internet & Mobile | $15–$26 | $28–$46 | 🟢 Bucharest |
| Gym membership | $18–$33 | $32–$60 | 🟢 Bucharest |
| Cinema ticket | $7–$9 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Bucharest |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,231–$1,949 | $2,215–$3,508 | 🟢 Bucharest |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing7.3 / 10 · 4.6 / 10
Bucharest▲ better
Cologne
Safety8.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Bucharest▲ better
Cologne
Healthcare8.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Bucharest▲ better
Cologne
Education8.4 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Bucharest▲ better
Cologne
Environment9.2 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Bucharest▲ better
Cologne
Economy7.5 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Bucharest▲ better
Cologne
Culture8.1 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Bucharest▲ better
Cologne
Internet8.5 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Bucharest▲ better
Cologne
Who should choose which city?
Choose Bucharest if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Cologne
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓Fast internet
- ✓EU member
- ✓IT outsourcing
Choose Cologne if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Cologne offers vs Bucharest
- ✓Cathedral
- ✓Carnival
- ✓Rhine
- ✓Media
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Full Bucharest guide
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Explore Bucharest →📊
Full Cologne guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Cologne →