Romania recorded the third-fastest increase in dining-out expenditures globally, following only Turkmenistan and China, according to Oxford Economics data cited by Colliers. In 2024, Romanian households spent approximately €6.2 billion on eating out — more than four times the amount recorded a decade ago.
The average Romanian household allocated around €830 annually to dining out, reflecting not only higher incomes, but also changing consumer behavior, greater urbanization, and generational shifts. But, Romania is still behind other countries in the region. The average household in Hungary spends €2,000 annually, while in the Czech Republic it’s nearly €1,700.
The growth in dining-out expenses far outpaces inflation and signals a fundamental shift in consumption behavior. Over the past decade, real wages in Romania have more than doubled, empowering consumers – especially younger generations – to spend more on social and experiential activities like eating out.
Events such as „Open Streets” and „Street Delivery”, which temporarily pedestrianize city zones, have gained popularity and demonstrate a growing appetite for outdoor and street-level shopping experiences — even amid the growth of e-commerce.
This trend reflects a cultural preference for physical interaction with products before purchasing — a dynamic still strong in Romania. According to Eurostat, many Romanians continue to value face-to-face retail, creating room for investments in walkable shopping areas and local, proximity-based commerce.
Outlook: Dining budgets could double by 2035
Currently, Romanians spend just 3.3% of their disposable income on dining out. In contrast, countries like Spain, Greece, and Portugal exceed 10%, showing the potential for future growth. If this upward trend continues, Colliers experts estimate that Romania’s dining-out market could surpass €10 billion annually in the next decade.