Cost of living in Romania: rent, food, medical care
Romania attracts migrants with fairly moderate prices and picturesque landscapes. This country is one of the most comfortable places to live. Learn more about prices for food, utilities and apartment rentals
Romania is one of the most attractive destinations for expats looking for a cheap but comfortable place to live. Bucharest ranks 160th among 209 cities in the world in the ranking of the cost of living, which was compiled by the international company Mercer. The capital of Romania is more accessible than Budapest and Prague, but more expensive than Sofia (Bulgaria) and Belgrade (Serbia).
In fact, Romania is one of the best countries in Europe for digital nomads. Internet speed is one of the highest in the world, and the state also has a digital nomad visa.
The official currency of Romania is the Romanian leu, but for easier comparison, the prices in this article are shown in euros.
A married couple should expect to spend about €1,700 per month for a decent life in Romania in 2023. This includes such expenses as rent, utilities, food and some entertainment.
Housing rent and utilities
Life in rural areas and small towns such as Pitesti, Cluj-Napoca and Iași is cheaper than in the metropolis. Bucharest is significantly more expensive than any of the country's regions, but since it has the most opportunities and infrastructure, most expats settle in the capital.
Although rents can be high, they are nowhere near the prices you might find in London or other major cities in Western Europe. A one-room apartment in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, Sibiu or other big cities will cost from €350 to €500 per month. In small towns, you can find a one-room apartment for only €250 per month.
It is worth noting that in Romania quite often there are old apartment buildings and those in need of repair. Therefore, most expat families prefer to rent housing in new buildings.
The cost of utilities is usually not included in the rent, so you will have to pay extra. Intretinere (which translates as "maintenance"). It includes electricity, garbage collection, water, a fund for minor repairs and heating.
On average, expect to pay about 130€ per month for utilities. Costs can be as little as €30/month in summer and €220/month in winter.
Internet, television, mobile communication
A package that includes cable Internet with a speed of at least 500 Gbps and TV with more than 100 channels costs €15 per month.
You can order Internet with a download speed of 1 GB/s for about 12€ per month.
The tariff for a mobile phone is about 5€ per month - unlimited calls, text messages, internet.
Cost of food in Romania
The monthly food budget for a family of two is approximately €300. Delicious and organically grown fruits and vegetables can be purchased at special markets in all cities of Romania. The assortment of supermarkets is represented by various products: all kinds of cheese, milk, yogurt, etc.
Basically, the prices of products are the same as in the rest of Europe, but the range is much higher quality: potatoes (1 kg) - 0.75€, oranges (1 kg) - 1€, cheese (1 kg) - 6.5 -€10, fresh locally produced fish (1 kg) – €6.5, a loaf of bread (300 grams) – €1, a bottle of local wine – €5, beer (2 liter bottle) – €3.00. To keep your food costs down, shop seasonally.
Cafes and restaurants in Romania
Dinner for two in a fancy restaurant can cost from €50 to €100. For this money you will get a first course, a main course and a dessert, as well as a bottle of wine and one bottle of water.
Pizza costs around €10, as does pasta or pork dishes in a mid-range restaurant. Chicken dishes are a little cheaper. Beef is the most expensive, the price can range from 15 to 30€ per dish. Fast food - 6-7€.
The cost of travel
Romanian public transport is inexpensive, there are quite a few routes, represented by buses, trains and taxis. One-time bus ticket – 0.4€, monthly pass – 12€. However, please note that public transport is quite slow and can be crowded during peak hours.
Gasoline - 1.4€ per liter.
Entertainment and sports
A ticket to the cinema is €4.50. A monthly subscription to a fitness club is €30. One of the advantages of Romania is that the country has many opportunities for outdoor sports.
Medical services
Expats working in Romania have free access to public health services. Despite this, they must also have private health insurance. The average price is from €30 per month.
Treatment in private institutions requires additional costs, but they are still lower than in many European countries, as well as in the USA.
We will remind you! Ukrainians who found refuge in Romania can apply for temporary protection and receive the right to residence and employment. Learn more about the conditions for obtaining temporary protection in Romania and assistance to refugees at the link.
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The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.