For one person, living costs in Craiova are estimated at $1,182 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about half of the total. Other living expenses average about $19 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Craiova actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $1,182 monthly including rent, or $588 excluding housing.
$1,182 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,739 with rent, or $1,039 without housing.
$1,739 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,297 including rent, or $1,490 for daily expenses alone.
$2,297 /mo
📊
Craiova sits 12–19% below the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are well below average (33% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.5KRON 135.1K
$28.5KRON 135.1K
$28.5KRON 135.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.4KRON 125.0K
$25.8KRON 121.9K
$28.0KRON 132.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$211RON 996
$103RON 486
$308RON 1,458
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.13RON 43.18
$5.10RON 24.13
$20.39RON 96.5
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.58RON 54.8
$6.31RON 29.86
$21.05RON 99.6
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$44.63RON 211
$31.14RON 147
$62.3RON 295
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$22.02RON 104
$10.66RON 50.4
$38.36RON 182
Cinema Ticket
$7.45RON 35.24
$5.75RON 27.20
$8.51RON 40.24
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$423RON 2,002
$212RON 1,001
$635RON 3,003
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$8,143RON 38.5K
$8,143RON 38.5K
$8,769RON 41.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$61.8RON 293
$41.22RON 195
$103RON 488
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$51.2RON 242
$10.53RON 49.84
$84.2RON 399
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$84.2RON 398
$53.3RON 252
$113RON 534
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$103RON 487
$63.3RON 300
$127RON 599
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$508RON 2,404
$419RON 1,982
$576RON 2,726
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$383RON 1,814
$310RON 1,466
$517RON 2,444
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$893RON 4,225
$743RON 3,516
$1,062RON 5,023
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$596RON 2,822
$443RON 2,097
$831RON 3,930
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,614RON 12.4K
$2,496RON 11.8K
$2,775RON 13.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,960RON 9,272
$1,658RON 7,847
$2,086RON 9,871
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$931RON 4,404
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6.84
5
8
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 11, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Craiova$1,182
Craiova$2,297
🏠Accommodation & Living
$383 32.5%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$231 19.6%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$193 16.4%
🍽Eating Out
$147 12.5%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$135 11.4%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$60 5%
🚌Getting Around
$32 2.7%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$596 26%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$240 10.5%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$455 19.8%
🍽Eating Out
$499 21.7%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$300 13.1%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$141 6.1%
🚌Getting Around
$65 2.9%
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $508 for a central one-bedroom, or $383 outside the center. At 55% of the average salary ($931), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $931, while typical expenses reach $1,182. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.
🛒Expect to spend about $193 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $42.00 for two – well below the European average of $73.0.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $24.73 per month – among the cheapest in Europe (average $49.00).
Cost Highlights
⭐Meal at budget restaurant is cheaper than 94% of cities in Europe
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Cost of Living in Craiova - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craiova, Romania an affordable option for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other regional hubs?
Cost of Living in Craiova, Romania tends to offer a favorable balance for daily life without compromising access to essentials. You'll find a range of housing options from central apartments to quieter outskirts, usually at margins lower than Western capitals and better value than many larger cities in the region. Groceries, dining out, and local services stay approachable, with seasonal shifts tied to university activity and tourism. Public transport through buses and trams is practical and affordable, and you can explore nearby parks and riverside areas on foot. Tip: Start with a neighborhood walk to gauge daily rhythms and back-pocket budgets.
What does daily life look like in Craiova, Romania in terms of housing search, food options, and transport?
Daily life in Craiova is practical for on-the-ground planning: central districts offer walkable access to cafes, markets, and coworking spaces, while quieter streets suit longer stays. When searching housing, focus on proximity to the city center or near universities, compare utilities, and visit at different times of day. Food options range from modern supermarkets to local markets with seasonal produce and bakeries, keeping meals varied and affordable. Public transport includes buses and trams that cover most areas, and cycling or ride-hailing can be convenient for short trips. Craiova, Romania living cost varies by neighborhood but remains budget-friendly. Tip: Map your commute and shop around before committing to a lease.
What quality of life aspects matter for budgeting, neighborhoods, and seasonality in Craiova, Romania?
Quality of life in Craiova comes from a blend of pace, access to services, and seasonal living cues. Build a simple budgeting framework: fixed costs like rent and utilities, flexible daily expenses, and occasional larger purchases. In summer, outdoor markets and festivals can lower meals if you cook at home; in winter, heating and clothing add predictable costs. Neighborhood fit matters: central, university-adjacent areas offer social life and short commutes, while quieter suburbs reduce transit needs. Seasonal discounts on services and produce can stretch your groceries. Tip: Regularly reassess your choices and adjust to your actual routine.
What is the average cost of living in Craiova?
A single person in Craiova typically spends $1,182 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $588. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is the average cost of living in Craiova in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Craiova come to around $1,182 including rent, or roughly $588 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Craiova?
Around $1,772 take-home puts you in a comfortable spot in Craiova – enough for rent, food, bills, and a bit of savings. Drop below that and you'll probably need to share a flat, stick to cooking at home, or pick a neighborhood further out.
What are typical rents in Craiova?
Where you live in Craiova makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $508; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $383. Overall, the market runs from $383 to $508 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Craiova?
A regular gym membership in Craiova costs around $44.63 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Craiova?
Expect to spend around $193 per month on groceries in Craiova. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Craiova?
Living on $1,000 in Craiova means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,182. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Craiova a good city for digital nomads?
Remote workers pick Craiova for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, all at about $1,182 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.
Can you save money living in Craiova?
Monthly expenses in Craiova run around $1,182, so putting money aside takes more than $1,772 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Craiova good for backpackers?
Budget travel in Craiova works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,182 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.