Cost of Living in Craiova - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,226 monthly including rent, or $615 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,788 with rent, or $1,059 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,350 including rent, or $1,503 for daily expenses alone.

Craiova sits 11–20% below the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are well below average (34% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.71 RON 35.10
$3.30 RON 15.04
$33.04 RON 150
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$37.67 RON 171
$22.17 RON 101
$55.4 RON 252
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.90 RON 35.97
$5.64 RON 25.67
$7.90 RON 35.97
Cappuccino
$2.84 RON 12.95
$2.23 RON 10.15
$4.47 RON 20.34
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.41 RON 10.95
$2.22 RON 10.13
$2.68 RON 12.19
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.89 RON 8.61
$1.51 RON 6.88
$2.59 RON 11.80
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.51 RON 11.41
$1.37 RON 6.22
$3.19 RON 14.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.55 RON 16.16
$3.23 RON 14.70
$5.38 RON 24.48
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.35 RON 6.13
$1.14 RON 5.19
$1.52 RON 6.94
White Bread (500g)
$0.88 RON 3.99
$0.65 RON 2.96
$1.09 RON 4.98
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.45 RON 6.62
$0.88 RON 4.01
$2.19 RON 9.95
Eggs
$3.52 RON 16.02
$2.38 RON 10.82
$6.60 RON 30.05
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.71 RON 35.09
$5.57 RON 25.34
$11.14 RON 50.7
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.88 RON 31.32
$5.44 RON 24.74
$9.07 RON 41.29
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.07 RON 54.9
$8.06 RON 36.70
$17.91 RON 81.6
Apples (1kg)
$1.03 RON 4.68
$0.65 RON 2.97
$1.53 RON 6.97
Banana (1kg)
$1.51 RON 6.85
$1.29 RON 5.88
$1.93 RON 8.80
Oranges (1kg)
$1.56 RON 7.11
$1.37 RON 6.22
$2.73 RON 12.43
Tomato (1kg)
$1.86 RON 8.46
$1.32 RON 6.02
$2.64 RON 12.04
Potato (1kg)
$0.87 RON 3.96
$0.64 RON 2.92
$1.20 RON 5.47
Onion (1kg)
$0.88 RON 4.01
$0.53 RON 2.40
$1.06 RON 4.84
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.77 RON 3.49
$0.23 RON 1.02
$0.91 RON 4.15
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.73 RON 3.34
$0.62 RON 2.82
$0.89 RON 4.03
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.91 RON 31.44
$6.29 RON 28.63
$7.41 RON 33.75
Wine (Bottle)
$6.57 RON 29.93
$4.39 RON 19.97
$8.77 RON 39.93
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.25 RON 5.69
$0.90 RON 4.11
$2.04 RON 9.29
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.55 RON 7.04
$1.09 RON 4.98
$3.44 RON 15.65
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.92 RON 4.17
$0.68 RON 3.09
$1.14 RON 5.20
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$26.85 RON 122
$22.37 RON 102
$33.55 RON 153
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.69 RON 3.15
$0.69 RON 3.15
$0.69 RON 3.15
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.69 RON 3.12
$0.69 RON 3.12
$1.29 RON 5.86
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.83 RON 31.10
$6.83 RON 31.10
$7.97 RON 36.30
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.83 RON 8.35
$1.64 RON 7.46
$2.08 RON 9.47
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30.0K RON 136.3K
$30.0K RON 136.3K
$30.0K RON 136.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.9K RON 122.3K
$26.0K RON 118.4K
$28.7K RON 130.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$202 RON 921
$109 RON 496
$327 RON 1,489
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$10.69 RON 48.68
$5.59 RON 25.44
$22.38 RON 102
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.77 RON 53.6
$6.73 RON 30.62
$22.43 RON 102
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$40.62 RON 185
$32.95 RON 150
$65.9 RON 300
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$23.31 RON 106
$11.28 RON 51.4
$23.31 RON 106
Cinema Ticket
$7.87 RON 35.80
$7.19 RON 32.71
$8.99 RON 40.93
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$441 RON 2,009
$221 RON 1,004
$662 RON 3,013
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,728 RON 39.7K
$8,728 RON 39.7K
$9,399 RON 42.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.8 RON 263
$43.59 RON 198
$109 RON 496
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$51.1 RON 232
$11.22 RON 51.1
$89.8 RON 409
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$84.5 RON 385
$56.4 RON 256
$119 RON 544
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$109 RON 497
$67.2 RON 306
$134 RON 612
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$528 RON 2,404
$439 RON 1,999
$604 RON 2,748
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$407 RON 1,854
$332 RON 1,510
$553 RON 2,516
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$943 RON 4,293
$789 RON 3,589
$1,126 RON 5,128
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$640 RON 2,912
$469 RON 2,133
$893 RON 4,063
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,798 RON 12.7K
$2,701 RON 12.3K
$2,954 RON 13.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,035 RON 9,264
$1,716 RON 7,810
$2,158 RON 9,825
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$984 RON 4,478
-
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: September 5, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $528 for a central one-bedroom, or $407 outside the center. At 54% of the average salary ($984), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $984, while typical expenses reach $1,226. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $204 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $38.00 for two – well below the European average of $76.0.

Public transport is priced at around $26.85 per month – among the cheapest in Europe (average $50.0).

Cost Highlights

Meal at budget restaurant is cheaper than 94% of cities in Europe

Craiova is cheaper than 60% of cities worldwide and 80% within Europe.

Craiova Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
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Upload
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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 $1,226 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $615. 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 $1,226 including rent, or roughly $615 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 $1,839 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 $528; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $407. Overall, the market runs from $407 to $528 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Craiova?
A regular gym membership in Craiova costs around $40.62 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 $204 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 $1,226. 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 $1,226 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 $1,226, so putting money aside takes more than $1,839 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 $1,226 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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