Is Bulgaria or Romania cheaper?

They sit in a similar bracket — roughly under $35–65/day in Bulgaria, under $35–65/day in Romania.

When is the best time to visit Bulgaria vs Romania?

Bulgaria is at its best in May, June, September; Romania peaks in May, June, September, October.

Is Bulgaria or Romania better in August?

Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Bulgaria has the edge in February, Romania in April, October, November, and both are at their best in May, June, September.

How long do you need in Bulgaria vs Romania?

Plan 1–2 weeks for Bulgaria and 1–2 for Romania.

Should I choose Bulgaria or Romania?

Both deliver on history, nature, culture, so on those either works.

Bulgaria vs Romania

Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.

Eastern Europe

Bulgaria

Frescoed monasteries, Roman old towns, and empty mountains at prices Europe forgot.

Best time to visit

January: fine
February: fine
March: fine
April: avoid
May: peak
June: peak
July: fine
August: fine
September: peak
October: fine
November: avoid
December: fine

Peak Fine Avoid

Eastern Europe

Romania

The most atmospheric, least touristed corner of Europe — at a fraction of the price.

Best time to visit

January: fine
February: avoid
March: fine
April: fine
May: peak
June: peak
July: fine
August: fine
September: peak
October: peak
November: fine
December: fine

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Bulgaria and Romania.

Side by side

Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.

	Bulgaria	Romania
Best time	May, June, September	May, June, September, October
Climate	mild	mild
Budget	Backpacker – Budget · under $35–65/day	Backpacker – Budget · under $35–65/day
Trip length	1–2 wks	1–2 wks
Visa	EU member and in the Schengen Area; visa-free for most Western passports.	EU member; visa-free for most Western passports under Schengen rules (Romania joined the Schengen area in 2025). Verify before travel.
Currency	EUR (€) — Bulgaria adopted the euro in 2026, replacing the Lev.	RON (Romanian Leu) — not the euro, despite EU membership.
Language	Bulgarian, written in Cyrillic script; English mainly among younger people and in cities.	Romanian, a Romance language. English is widely spoken by younger people and in cities.
Tap water	Tap water safe in cities.	Tap water safe in cities.
Safety	Very safe; the main annoyance is taxi drivers overcharging.	Very safe with low violent crime; the main annoyance is taxi overcharging.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Bulgaria or Romania, month by month

Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.

Which to choose

Choose Bulgaria if:

You're already drawn to it — its strengths fit your trip.

Choose Romania if:

You're already drawn to it — its strengths fit your trip.

Both deliver on history, nature, culture — so on those dimensions either works.

Common questions

Is Bulgaria or Romania cheaper?: They sit in a similar bracket — roughly under $35–65/day in Bulgaria, under $35–65/day in Romania.
When is the best time to visit Bulgaria vs Romania?: Bulgaria is at its best in May, June, September; Romania peaks in May, June, September, October.
Is Bulgaria or Romania better in August?: Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Bulgaria has the edge in February, Romania in April, October, November, and both are at their best in May, June, September.
How long do you need in Bulgaria vs Romania?: Plan 1–2 weeks for Bulgaria and 1–2 for Romania.
Should I choose Bulgaria or Romania?: Both deliver on history, nature, culture, so on those either works.