Cheap Supermarkets in Romania: The Ultimate Price Guide

Your grocery bill is likely one of your biggest monthly expenses, and in Romania, the gap between “expensive” and “value” is widening. Whether you are a local trying to beat inflation or a tourist looking for affordable supplies, walking into the wrong store can cost you significantly more. By late 2025, the Romanian retail map has shiftedgiants have merged, and new discount formats have taken the lead.

We have cut through the noise to curate the definitive list of supermarkets where your money actually goes further. Forget loyalty to a brand that no longer exists; here is who really offers the best price to-quality ratio right now.

The True “Price Champions”: Lidl and Penny

If we are talking strictly about the lowest prices, the original list needed a serious update. As of December 2025, Lidl and Penny are the undisputed kings of the budget sector.

• Lidl: Ranked as the “Price Champion” (campionul prețurilor mici), Lidl dominates the market with a 16% share. Their strategy? Over 80% of their stock is private label, meaning you pay for the product, not the marketing.
• Penny: The go-to for essential goods. While slightly smaller in scale than Lidl, Penny is the primary choice for families focused purely on savings for basic staples.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t look for specific big name brands here. Embrace the private labels (like Lidl’s “Pilos” or “Cien”) to unlock real savings.

Auchan: The Bulk Buying Specialist

Auchan remains a massive player, but its global footprint has changed. While it historically operated in markets like China and Taiwan, it fully exited those regions years ago and is in the final stages of leaving Russia as of late 2025. In Romania, however, it is stronger than ever with over 470 contact points.

Auchan’s secret weapon for cheap pricing is the ATAC Hiper Discount format. This concept is similar to the Wholesale Markets in Chicago, where buying in bulk drastically reduces the unit price.

Why Shop at Auchan?

• The ATAC Advantage: If you have a large family, the ATAC stores offer aggressive tiered pricingthe more you buy, the less you pay per item.
• Tech Forward: They operate the autonomous “Auchan Go” store and hundreds of MyAuchan proximity units (mostly in Petrom stations), though these convenience spots are pricier than the hypermarkets.

Carrefour: The New Giant (Goodbye, Cora)

If you are looking for Cora, stop searching. In a major market consolidation finalized in 2024 and early 2025, Carrefour acquired Cora entirely. All 10 former Cora hypermarkets and their urban stores have been rebranded and integrated into the Carrefour network.

Carrefour is now a behemoth with a turnover exceeding 12 billion RON, balancing premium variety with budget options. It’s the best “hybrid” choicecheaper than specialized delis but offering more variety than discounters like Lidl.

Carrefour’s Highlights

• Local Focus: Out of their 1,300+ private label products, nearly 1,000 are manufactured right here in Romania. This local sourcing helps keep transport costs (and shelf prices) down.
• Digital Convenience: Carrefour is the leader in e grocery. About 350 stores are connected to online delivery platforms like Bringo, Glovo, and Bolt Food. If you value time as much as money, this is your spot.

Comparing prices across borders? If you are planning a trip to neighbors, our guide to Aliexpress Hungary offers insights into smart shopping just across the border.

The Verdict: Where Should You Shop?

The “cheapest” supermarket depends on your shopping style. Here is the practitioner’s cheat sheet:

• For the absolute lowest receipt: Go to Lidl or Penny. You sacrifice brand variety, but your wallet stays full. It feels like the thrill of finding a hidden gem at Flea Markets in Germany—pure value hunting.
• For bulk family shopping: Drive to an Auchan ATAC.
• For one stop-shop variety: Go to Carrefour (formerly Cora locations included).