How Much Does Cluj-Napoca Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Cluj-Napoca serves as the unofficial capital of Transylvania and offers a high-value urban experience that is significantly more affordable than major Western European hubs. While it is one of Romania's most expensive cities, daily budgets remain accessible, typically ranging from $49 / 210 lei for budget-conscious travelers to $381 / 1,652 lei for those seeking luxury. Costs are unique here due to the city's massive student population and its status as a tech hub, which has fueled a sophisticated third-wave coffee scene alongside traditional budget eateries. Prices for cultural entry points are low, with museum tickets around $3.47 / 15 lei, though the summer festival season causes accommodation rates to spike dramatically. Overall, visitors can expect a high standard of dining and nightlife for a fraction of the cost found in cities like Berlin or Vienna.
Is Cluj-Napoca expensive to visit?
Cluj-Napoca is very affordable by European standards, with a typical daily spend between $49 / 210 lei and $381 / 1,652 lei depending on your travel style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Cluj-Napoca
$49
per person /day
$150
per person /day
$381
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $146 | $451 | $1,144 |
| 5-Day Trip | $242 | $751 | $1,907 |
| 7-Day Trip | $340 | $1,052 | $2,669 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to carry a 15% budget buffer to account for the 1% accommodation city tax and the customary 10% tip at sit-down restaurants, which would add about $4.71 / 20 lei to a $47 / 204 lei dinner.
How Does It Compare?
See how Cluj-Napoca stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Cluj-Napoca
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal A hearty lunch in the student area (Piezișă Street) can be even cheaper at ~$7.06 / 31 lei. | $9.25 40 lei |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L draught) Local craft beers like Hophead or Klausen Burger cost ~$4.12–$5.89 / 18 lei–25 lei. | $2.78 12 lei |
| Specialty Third-Wave Coffee (Flat White) Cluj has a vibrant third-wave coffee scene. A standard espresso costs ~$2.53 / 11 lei. | $4.15 18 lei |
Transport (5)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| CTP Urban Single Bus Ticket Valid for one trip within the city limits. Contactless payment available on board for ~$0.81 / 3.52 lei. | $0.81 3.52 lei |
| CTP 24-Hour City Pass Unlimited travel on all urban lines for 24 hours. Costs approximately $4.63 / 20 lei. | $4.63 20 lei |
| Airport Express Bus (Line A1E) Direct connection between the airport and the city center (Unirii Square). Regular lines 5 and 8 cost ~$0.81 / 3.52 lei. | $1.39 6.01 lei |
| Taxi Start Fee (Day/Night) Initial fee charged at the start of the ride. Standard for both day and night. | $0.72 3.11 lei |
| Taxi Standard Fare (Day Rate) per km Applying within city limits. Trips to nearby suburbs may use the exterior rate of ~$0.81 / 3.52 lei/km. | $0.72 3.11 lei |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hostel Dorm Bed (Retro Hostel) Excellent central location near the main square. Staying here saves ~$5.89 / 25 lei on daily transport. | $25 110 lei |
| Mid-Range Double Room (Hampton by Hilton) Prices increase significantly to over ~$177 / 765 lei during the Untold and Electric Castle festivals. | $107 465 lei |
| Luxury Hotel Suite (Hotel Platinia) Includes access to the Platinia Shopping Center and high-end amenities. | $213 921 lei |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| National Art Museum Entry (Bánffy Palace) Located in one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Romania. Full access for ~$3.47 / 15 lei. | $3.47 15 lei |
| Turda Salt Mine Adult Entry Includes access to the underground lake and amusement park. Standard adult fee is ~$14 / 60 lei. | $14 60 lei |
| Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden Entry A massive 14-hectare garden. Entry for international adults is ~$3.47 / 15 lei. | $3.47 15 lei |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Type C) Adult Fee Standard fee for non-exempt international visitors as of Romania's Schengen entry. | $106 459 lei |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is a mix of traditional Romanian canteens and trendy international bistros, where an inexpensive restaurant meal averages $9.25 / 40 lei. The city's thriving specialty coffee culture means a high-quality flat white costs roughly $4.15 / 18 lei, while a local draught beer is priced around $2.78 / 12 lei.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Vărzărie
$5.78–$10 / 25 lei–45 leiUnirii Square · Local chain
Try the legendary 'Varză a la Cluj' (Cabbage Cluj-style) for under ~$7.06 / 31 lei.
Mama Manu
$4.63–$8.09 / 20 lei–35 leiCentru · Street food area
The city's most famous late-night shawarma spot. A massive wrap is ~$6 / 26 lei.
Panemar
$1.85–$4.63 / 8 lei–20 leiMultiple locations · Bakery
High-quality local bakery chain. Fresh sandwiches and pastries for ~$1.77–$4.12 / 7.65 lei–18 lei.
Piezișă Street (Various)
$3.47–$6.93 / 15 lei–30 leiHașdeu · Street food area
The student heart of the city. Best for cheap pizza, burgers, and beer (~$2.35 / 10 lei).
Euphoria Biergarten
$8.09–$15 / 35 lei–65 leiCentral Park · Local chain
Offers a great-value 'Menu of the Day' for ~$7.42 / 32 lei on weekdays.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Public transport is the most economical way to navigate the city, with single CTP bus tickets costing only $0.81 / 3.52 lei. For those planning multiple trips, a 24-hour city pass is available for $4.63 / 20 lei, while taxis remain a viable option with a standard fare of $0.72 / 3.11 lei per km.
Accommodation Overview
Budget travelers can find central dorm beds at Retro Hostel for $25 / 110 lei, while mid-range options like Hampton by Hilton average $107 / 465 lei. The sweet spot for value is often in the Centru area, though prices can exceed $177–$235 / 765 lei–1,019 lei during major summer music festivals.
Accommodation Budget in Cluj-Napoca
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Dine at Vărzărie in Unirii Square for traditional 'Varză a la Cluj' (Cluj-style cabbage) to enjoy a hearty meal at local prices.
- 2 Use the A1E Airport Express bus for $1.39 / 6.01 lei to reach the city center instead of taking a private taxi.
- 3 Avoid the SMS public transport surcharge of ~$0.77 / 3.31 lei plus VAT by using a contactless bank card on the bus readers to pay the standard $0.81 / 3.52 lei fare.
- 4 Head to Piezișă Street in the Hașdeu student district for meals that can be found as low as $7.06 / 31 lei.
- 5 Stay at the centrally located Retro Hostel to eliminate the need for daily transport costs to the Old Town.
- 6 Purchase fresh pastries and sandwiches at Panemar or Mama Manu for quick, low-cost lunches while sightseeing.
- 7 Visit the Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden for just $3.47 / 15 lei, which offers 14 hectares of green space for a very low entry fee.
- 8 Opt for local draught beers like Ursus for $2.78 / 12 lei rather than international craft labels to save on nightlife costs.
- 9 Book festival tickets for Electric Castle or Untold early to avoid the steep price increases and mandatory 8% booking fees on late passes.
- 10 Walk between major sights in the Centru (Old Town), as the National Art Museum and Unirii Square are within a 5-minute radius.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug
+40-100%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-30-50%
May, Sep, Oct
During festival season in July and August, accommodation prices in Cluj become the most expensive in Romania, sometimes exceeding ~$235 / 1,019 lei for basic rooms.
Events to Watch
- ● Untold Festival (August): Hotels spike +300%
- ● Electric Castle (July): Budget lodging sells out 6 months prior
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Hike up Cetățuia Hill for the best panoramic sunset views over the city.
- 2 Stroll through Central Park (Parcul Central Simion Bărnuțiu) and relax by the Chios Lake.
- 3 Explore the ruins of the Roman citadel in the center of Unirii Square.
- 4 Visit St. Michael's Church, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Romania.
- 5 Walk down Mirror Street (Iuliu Maniu Street), famous for its perfectly symmetrical buildings.
- 6 Enter the Piarist Church (Biserica Piaristă) to see its stunning Baroque interior.
- 7 Browse the local produce and atmosphere at the Piața Mihai Viteazul market.
- 8 See the Tailors' Bastion (Turnul Croitorilor), part of the old city's defense walls.
- 9 Explore the 'haunted' Hoia-Baciu Forest on the outskirts for a unique hike.
- 10 Admire the architecture of the National Theatre and Romanian Opera in Avram Iancu Square.
- 11 Visit the Reformed Church on Mihail Kogălniceanu Street, a massive medieval structure.
- 12 Walk through the Hașdeu student campus at night to experience the city's youthful energy.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Electric Castle VIP Pass
The festival takes place at the stunning Bánffy Castle; VIP access offers premium views and elevated platforms for ~$412 / 1,784 lei.
Fine Dining at Baracca
Regarded as one of Romania's best restaurants; a full gourmet experience costs ~$65 / 280 lei per person.
Private Day Tour to Salina Turda & Rimetea
Avoid the crowded buses and combine the salt mine with the traditional Hungarian village of Rimetea for ~$104 / 449 lei.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Cluj-Napoca
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Cluj-Napoca and what they cost
Salina Turda (Salt Mine)
$5.78 / 25 lei by bus
$14 / 60 lei
$28 / 120 lei
Rimetea Village
$14 / 60 lei by bus/private car
$2.31 / 9.99 lei
$35 / 150 lei
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Romanian Leu (RON)
1 $ ≈ 4.33 lei
No
Everywhere including street food and buses. Contactless is standard.
Standard 10% in restaurants. Small change or rounding up ~$1.18 / 5.1 lei is appreciated for taxis and food delivery.
Use bank-affiliated ATMs (BRD, BCR, BT). Avoid Euronet machines due to high fees of ~$4.71–$8.24 / 20 lei–36 lei and poor exchange rates.
Connectivity
eSIM: $5.89–$14 for 5GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $7.06–$9.42 / 31 lei–41 lei for 50GB+
WiFi: Excellent. Cluj is a tech hub; high-speed fiber is standard in all cafés and public squares.
Local SIM cards offer incredible value, but an eSIM like Airalo is convenient for short stays at ~$5.3 / 23 lei for 1GB.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Cluj-Napoca.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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