Cost of Living in Craiova - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,126 monthly including rent, or $588 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,662 with rent, or $1,038 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,198 including rent, or $1,487 for daily expenses alone.

Craiova sits 16–22% below the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are well below average (37% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$8.99 RON 40.66
$4.50 RON 20.35
$11.24 RON 50.8
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$45.57 RON 206
$22.79 RON 103
$57.0 RON 258
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.23 RON 37.21
$7.06 RON 31.90
$8.23 RON 37.21
Cappuccino
$2.58 RON 11.67
$1.88 RON 8.49
$4.70 RON 21.26
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.09 RON 9.46
$1.36 RON 6.13
$2.71 RON 12.26
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.96 RON 8.88
$1.66 RON 7.49
$2.38 RON 10.74
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.27 RON 10.24
$1.59 RON 7.17
$3.17 RON 14.34
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.52 RON 15.90
$2.35 RON 10.60
$4.22 RON 19.08
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.51 RON 6.81
$1.13 RON 5.12
$1.81 RON 8.19
White Bread (500g)
$0.92 RON 4.17
$0.66 RON 2.97
$1.53 RON 6.93
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.70 RON 7.67
$1.18 RON 5.31
$2.12 RON 9.56
Eggs
$3.34 RON 15.09
$2.53 RON 11.42
$4.49 RON 20.28
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.74 RON 34.99
$5.84 RON 26.42
$10.54 RON 47.65
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.65 RON 30.08
$3.46 RON 15.63
$7.60 RON 34.33
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.69 RON 43.82
$5.08 RON 22.95
$16.13 RON 72.9
Apples (1kg)
$1.29 RON 5.81
$1.06 RON 4.79
$1.42 RON 6.41
Banana (1kg)
$1.71 RON 7.72
$1.40 RON 6.34
$2.10 RON 9.51
Oranges (1kg)
$1.54 RON 6.98
$1.37 RON 6.17
$2.05 RON 9.26
Tomato (1kg)
$1.81 RON 8.19
$1.12 RON 5.06
$2.24 RON 10.12
Potato (1kg)
$1.03 RON 4.67
$0.62 RON 2.82
$1.12 RON 5.07
Onion (1kg)
$1.08 RON 4.87
$0.89 RON 4.04
$1.12 RON 5.05
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.83 RON 3.77
$0.60 RON 2.70
$1.18 RON 5.35
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.74 RON 3.36
$0.67 RON 3.01
$0.89 RON 4.01
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.98 RON 27.03
$5.70 RON 25.78
$6.61 RON 29.89
Wine (Bottle)
$6.27 RON 28.34
$4.55 RON 20.58
$9.12 RON 41.21
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.29 RON 5.85
$0.93 RON 4.20
$1.86 RON 8.41
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.29 RON 10.34
$1.41 RON 6.37
$3.52 RON 15.93
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.72 RON 3.27
$0.72 RON 3.27
$0.97 RON 4.36
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$22.98 RON 104
$18.38 RON 83.1
$34.46 RON 156
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.56 RON 2.52
$0.55 RON 2.48
$0.56 RON 2.52
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.86 RON 3.91
$0.53 RON 2.39
$1.70 RON 7.67
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.78 RON 30.67
$6.78 RON 30.67
$6.78 RON 30.67
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.61 RON 7.29
$1.53 RON 6.92
$1.81 RON 8.17
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.7K RON 125.1K
$27.7K RON 125.1K
$27.7K RON 125.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.2K RON 122.7K
$26.1K RON 118.1K
$27.2K RON 122.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$212 RON 959
$116 RON 526
$279 RON 1,261
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.96 RON 35.97
$5.65 RON 25.55
$13.56 RON 61.3
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.53 RON 52.1
$7.36 RON 33.25
$18.38 RON 83.1
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.57 RON 165
$34.68 RON 157
$41.62 RON 188
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.92 RON 85.5
$10.42 RON 47.12
$18.92 RON 85.5
Cinema Ticket
$6.53 RON 29.52
$5.73 RON 25.92
$7.34 RON 33.16
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$434 RON 1,962
$228 RON 1,033
$685 RON 3,098
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$9,152 RON 41.4K
$9,152 RON 41.4K
$9,152 RON 41.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$78.5 RON 355
$45.74 RON 207
$114 RON 517
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$37.39 RON 169
$34.73 RON 157
$41.68 RON 188
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$78.4 RON 354
$57.4 RON 259
$103 RON 467
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$85.1 RON 385
$56.5 RON 256
$136 RON 613
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$383 RON 1,729
$340 RON 1,538
$455 RON 2,057
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$306 RON 1,382
$226 RON 1,022
$397 RON 1,793
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$719 RON 3,251
$578 RON 2,611
$869 RON 3,928
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$443 RON 2,002
$402 RON 1,818
$461 RON 2,084
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,663 RON 12.0K
$2,237 RON 10.1K
$2,796 RON 12.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,094 RON 9,466
$1,693 RON 7,654
$2,235 RON 10.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,007 RON 4,551
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.28
6
7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $383 for a central one-bedroom, or $306 outside the center. At 38% of the average salary ($1,007), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,007, while typical expenses reach $1,126. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $203 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $46.00 for two – well below the European average of $75.0.

Public transport is priced at around $22.98 per month – among the cheapest in Europe (average $48.00).

Cost Highlights

Public transport monthly pass is cheaper than 90% of cities in Europe

Craiova is cheaper than 61% of cities worldwide and 82% within Europe.

Craiova Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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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 $1,126 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 $1,126 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 $1,689 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 $383; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $306. Overall, the market runs from $306 to $383 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Craiova?
Fitness in Craiova is cheap at around $36.57 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.
How cheap is food in Craiova?
Craiova is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $203, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
Can you live on $800 a month in Craiova?
$800 stretches far in Craiova – all-in monthly costs average only $1,126. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
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 $1,126 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 $1,126, so putting money aside takes more than $1,689 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 on a budget?
Budget travelers love Craiova – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $1,126 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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