Romania’s economy: rising incomes, cheaper mortgages, but higher fuel costs

A new INSCOP research index released on 24 June 2026 shows that 41 % of Romanians say their income fell over the past year, 45 % say it stayed the same and only 11 % report an increase. At the same time 84.5 % expect consumer‑price inflation in the next six months, signalling widespread pessimism about the economic outlook.

National statistics confirm that average household income grew 13.6 % in 2025 to 9 399 lei, but expenses still consume about 85 % of that amount, leaving roughly 15 % of income as disposable savings. Salaries remain the main source of income, accounting for around 70 % of total household earnings.

Mortgage conditions have improved: the average fixed rate for a 30‑year loan in Bucharest is 5.25 % and the loan‑to‑salary ratio is about 40 % of net pay, placing Romania as the second‑most affordable non‑euro market in the EU and among the top five most accessible capitals for home‑buyers.

Fuel prices, however, are set to rise. The temporary diesel‑tax reduction ends on 30 June, and analysts warn that the standard diesel price could climb to about 9.5 lei per litre, making Romania one of the EU countries where diesel has increased despite falling Brent prices. The increase is linked to recent tax measures and a government‑imposed price‑cap mechanism.

Overall, the data paint a mixed picture: household incomes are rising, mortgage credit is becoming more affordable, yet inflation expectations and fuel‑price pressures threaten purchasing power.