Romania's multi-speed real estate: Why apartments cost more than three times as much from one city to another

Romania's real estate market is increasingly characterized by a stark imbalance, where apartment prices can vary by more than threefold between cities. This significant gap is not solely attributable to local construction activity or temporary demand shifts, but rather to deeper structural economic and demographic trends.

In May 2026 data reveals that 24 county seats remain below the 1,500 euro per square meter threshold for usable space, while only six urban centers exceed 2,000 euros per square meter. This concentration of real estate value in a few major economic hubs highlights a market operating at vastly different speeds, with accessibility levels varying dramatically depending on the city.

Cities like Reșița (952 euros/sqm), Brăila (1,041 euros/sqm), Giurgiu (1,087 euros/sqm), Alexandria (1,099 euros/sqm), and Piatra-Neamț (1,132 euros/sqm) exhibit a relatively stable demand and limited new residential projects. The lack of new construction and population migration towards larger centers keep prices low, reflecting economic stagnation rather than affordability. Conversely, major cities experience constant price pressure due to high demand.

At the other end of the spectrum, cities such as Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, Constanța, Sibiu, and Craiova are driven by internal migration, labor market development, and new residential segment expansion. Cluj-Napoca remains the most expensive, exceeding 3,300 euros/sqm, with Bucharest and Brașov nearing 2,300 euros/sqm. Constanța has surpassed 2,000 euros/sqm, Sibiu reached 2,014 euros/sqm, and Craiova has seen rapid price increases. A growing category includes cities approaching the 2,000 euros/sqm mark.