Located in the heart of Eastern Europe, Romania is often imagined as a low -cost destination, a place to shop should be convenient. The reality of 2025 tells something different. To show this curious cross -section was Tiktoker Kimo, known on the platform as @Karim.azil. Traveling to Bucharest, he documented the prices of numerous consumer goods together with a friend, analyzing voice for voice how much costs fill the trolley in a Romanian supermarket.
@Karim.amzil And in Italy a normal expense how much does it cost?
♬ Original Sound – User50352212339
The result? A varied mix of prices that often deny the widespread idea that it would cost less to the east. Some articles are actually cheap, but several products – in particular those of Italian brand – reach far higher figures than the average of Italian supermarkets.
Capri Sun, Tuna and Pasta: When Made in Italy weighs on the receipt
Among the shelves of the Romanian supermarket visited by Karim and his travel companion, the first purchase is a 200 ml Sun Capri, sold at about 60 cents. A price in the norm, close to the Italian one. But already at the second product we begin to grasp a certain disproportion: the tuna Rio Mare, also loved in Romania, is sold in packs of three cans of 160 grams each at the price of 54 she. In euros, there is talk of about 10.50 euros. A high figure, especially if compared to what you pay the same product in Italy, where it is often found in promotion less than half.
Pasta, another symbol of the tricolor expenditure, also reveals interesting contrasts. A base pack of 500 grams of spaghetti costs about 1 euro, a price all in all aligned with the Italian one. The most elaborate variants, such as the tricolor formats, however reach the 9 she (almost 2 euros), a rather high value if we consider that in Italian discouns the same type of product can be purchased at much less.
Barilla pasta, for example, is sold in Romania at oscillating prices between 2 and 5 euros, depending on the type. A price list that suggests how much the brand affects the final cost, especially when it is imported from across the border.
Water, mozzarella and oil: the paradoxes of the Romanian supermarket
By shifting attention to everyday assets, such as mineral water, data emerge more in line with expectations.
A two -liter sparkling bottle costs 65 cents, while the local Zizin version, widespread, is proposed only 27 cents. A contained rate, even if not so torn as one might think by looking at local average wages.
Much more surprising, however, is the cost of packaged mozzarella. For a simple packaged plastic package you get to spend 26, equivalent to about 5.30 euros. A high price, if compared with the 2 or 3 euros requested in Italian supermarkets for the same type of product. Similar speech for extra virgin olive oil: a base bottle from one liter touches 10 euros, while the organic and premium versions can touch the 14 euros.
Personal hygiene is also paid dear: a bottle of shower gel starts from 5 euros, and a spray deodorant is around 4 euros. Figures that would hardly be associated with a country still considered “low cost”.
Street food: the real Romanian deal
If Romanian supermarkets do not always offer the desired savings, street food is confirmed as a resource not to be overlooked. Karim and his partner stopped at Luca, a very popular chain in Romania, famous for his fast and cheap pizza. A slice of daisy costs 70 cents, the four cheese version reaches 1 euro. A proposal not only convenient, but also tasty, according to the opinion of the two Tiktoker.
Even more tempting the so -called “Luca snack”, a fried snack stuffed with local cheese, available for 1 euro. A practical and tasty alternative for those looking for something rapid and nutritious without emptying the wallet.
Romania 2025: between inflation and globalization
The journey through the Romanian shelves tells a much more articulated reality than stereotypes. The massive presence of imported products, combined with the effects of global inflation, has contributed to aligning prices to those of Western Europe, at least as regards some articles.
Shopping in Romania therefore means carefully evaluating what is put in the cart. Local products remain accessible and, often, even of good quality. But focusing on Italian and international brands can transform ordinary expense into a small room.
Those who choose Romania as a tourist destination or for a longer stay, would do well to privilege native goods, avoiding surrogates of Made in Italy. After all, part of the charm of traveling lies precisely in the discovery of the new, even among the lanes of the supermarket.
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