Cost of Living in Craiova - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,122 monthly including rent, or $570 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,626 with rent, or $1,123 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,130 including rent, or $1,675 for daily expenses alone.

Craiova sits 16–25% below the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are well below average (38% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$9.18 RON 41.92
$4.60 RON 20.98
$11.48 RON 52.4
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$46.85 RON 214
$23.43 RON 107
$58.6 RON 267
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.92 RON 36.16
$6.79 RON 31.00
$7.92 RON 36.16
Cappuccino
$2.51 RON 11.44
$1.82 RON 8.32
$4.57 RON 20.85
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.19 RON 9.99
$1.42 RON 6.47
$2.83 RON 12.94
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.96 RON 8.93
$1.65 RON 7.53
$2.37 RON 10.80
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.37 RON 10.80
$1.66 RON 7.56
$3.31 RON 15.12
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.42 RON 15.62
$2.28 RON 10.42
$4.11 RON 18.75
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.57 RON 7.19
$1.18 RON 5.40
$1.89 RON 8.64
White Bread (500g)
$0.93 RON 4.25
$0.66 RON 3.03
$1.55 RON 7.06
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.69 RON 7.70
$1.17 RON 5.33
$2.10 RON 9.60
Eggs
$3.35 RON 15.31
$2.54 RON 11.59
$4.51 RON 20.56
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.41 RON 33.82
$5.59 RON 25.53
$10.09 RON 46.06
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.70 RON 30.59
$3.48 RON 15.90
$7.65 RON 34.92
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.62 RON 43.91
$5.04 RON 22.99
$16.00 RON 73.0
Apples (1kg)
$1.27 RON 5.79
$1.05 RON 4.77
$1.40 RON 6.40
Banana (1kg)
$1.65 RON 7.52
$1.35 RON 6.18
$2.03 RON 9.27
Oranges (1kg)
$1.60 RON 7.30
$1.42 RON 6.46
$2.12 RON 9.69
Tomato (1kg)
$1.84 RON 8.40
$1.14 RON 5.19
$2.28 RON 10.39
Potato (1kg)
$1.08 RON 4.95
$0.65 RON 2.99
$1.18 RON 5.37
Onion (1kg)
$1.14 RON 5.20
$0.95 RON 4.31
$1.18 RON 5.39
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.78 RON 3.58
$0.56 RON 2.56
$1.11 RON 5.08
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.78 RON 3.58
$0.70 RON 3.20
$0.94 RON 4.27
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$5.95 RON 27.16
$5.67 RON 25.90
$6.58 RON 30.04
Wine (Bottle)
$6.14 RON 28.03
$4.47 RON 20.39
$8.93 RON 40.78
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.31 RON 5.97
$0.94 RON 4.29
$1.88 RON 8.59
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.30 RON 10.50
$1.42 RON 6.47
$3.54 RON 16.18
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.67 RON 3.06
$0.67 RON 3.06
$0.89 RON 4.07
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$23.28 RON 106
$18.62 RON 85.0
$34.92 RON 159
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.59 RON 2.72
$0.58 RON 2.67
$0.59 RON 2.72
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.81 RON 3.71
$0.50 RON 2.27
$1.60 RON 7.30
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.96 RON 31.79
$6.96 RON 31.79
$6.96 RON 31.79
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.56 RON 7.13
$1.48 RON 6.77
$1.75 RON 7.99
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.9K RON 127.2K
$27.9K RON 127.2K
$27.9K RON 127.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.4K RON 125.1K
$26.4K RON 120.4K
$27.4K RON 125.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$209 RON 956
$115 RON 524
$275 RON 1,258
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.88 RON 35.98
$5.60 RON 25.55
$13.43 RON 61.3
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.73 RON 53.5
$7.48 RON 34.16
$18.71 RON 85.4
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.60 RON 167
$34.71 RON 158
$41.66 RON 190
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.87 RON 86.1
$10.40 RON 47.47
$18.87 RON 86.1
Cinema Ticket
$6.61 RON 30.19
$5.81 RON 26.51
$7.43 RON 33.92
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$430 RON 1,961
$226 RON 1,032
$678 RON 3,097
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,943 RON 40.8K
$8,943 RON 40.8K
$8,943 RON 40.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$78.5 RON 358
$45.70 RON 209
$114 RON 522
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$37.01 RON 169
$34.37 RON 157
$41.25 RON 188
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$79.6 RON 363
$58.3 RON 266
$105 RON 479
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$86.4 RON 394
$57.4 RON 262
$138 RON 629
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$389 RON 1,774
$346 RON 1,578
$462 RON 2,111
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$305 RON 1,394
$226 RON 1,031
$396 RON 1,809
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$707 RON 3,225
$567 RON 2,590
$854 RON 3,897
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$436 RON 1,988
$396 RON 1,806
$454 RON 2,070
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,557 RON 11.7K
$2,151 RON 9,819
$2,689 RON 12.3K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,999 RON 9,126
$1,620 RON 7,393
$2,133 RON 9,735
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$971 RON 4,434
-
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: July 14, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $389 for a central one-bedroom, or $305 outside the center. At 40% of the average salary ($971), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $971, while typical expenses reach $1,122. 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 $47.00 for two – well below the European average of $75.0.

Public transport is priced at around $23.28 per month – among the cheapest in Europe (average $48.00).

Cost Highlights

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 90% of cities in Europe

Craiova is cheaper than 62% 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 $1,122 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $570. 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 $1,122 including rent, or roughly $570 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 $1,683 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 $389; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $305. Overall, the market runs from $305 to $389 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Craiova?
Fitness in Craiova is cheap at around $36.60 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 $1,122. 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 $1,122 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 $1,122, so putting money aside takes more than $1,683 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 $1,122 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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