Last update: Oct 2026 Romania 269.5K

Cost of Living in Craiova

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.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Craiova

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.

Currency
Do you live in Craiova? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.45 RON 35.24
$3.20 RON 15.12
$31.92 RON 151
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$41.89 RON 198
$20.94 RON 99.1
$52.4 RON 248
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.11 RON 33.62
$5.08 RON 24.02
$7.11 RON 33.62
Cappuccino
$2.65 RON 12.54
$2.08 RON 9.82
$4.15 RON 19.64
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.20 RON 10.39
$2.03 RON 9.61
$2.44 RON 11.54
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.83 RON 8.68
$1.49 RON 7.04
$2.56 RON 12.10
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.24 RON 10.60
$1.22 RON 5.76
$2.85 RON 13.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.52 RON 16.65
$3.20 RON 15.15
$5.33 RON 25.23
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.28 RON 6.05
$1.10 RON 5.22
$1.44 RON 6.80
White Bread (500g)
$0.86 RON 4.06
$0.64 RON 3.05
$1.07 RON 5.08
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.36 RON 6.43
$0.82 RON 3.88
$2.04 RON 9.67
Eggs
$3.27 RON 15.47
$2.21 RON 10.44
$6.12 RON 28.96
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.11 RON 33.63
$5.14 RON 24.30
$10.27 RON 48.59
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.49 RON 30.73
$5.12 RON 24.22
$8.52 RON 40.33
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.50 RON 54.4
$7.65 RON 36.19
$16.99 RON 80.4
Apples (1kg)
$0.94 RON 4.44
$0.60 RON 2.85
$1.40 RON 6.61
Banana (1kg)
$1.44 RON 6.83
$1.24 RON 5.85
$1.86 RON 8.79
Oranges (1kg)
$1.47 RON 6.94
$1.28 RON 6.07
$2.57 RON 12.18
Tomato (1kg)
$1.80 RON 8.51
$1.27 RON 6.01
$2.55 RON 12.07
Potato (1kg)
$0.76 RON 3.60
$0.57 RON 2.69
$1.08 RON 5.10
Onion (1kg)
$0.83 RON 3.95
$0.50 RON 2.36
$1.01 RON 4.76
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.74 RON 3.49
$0.22 RON 1.03
$0.87 RON 4.13
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.72 RON 3.38
$0.61 RON 2.87
$0.87 RON 4.12
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.32 RON 29.92
$5.71 RON 27.02
$6.73 RON 31.86
Wine (Bottle)
$6.33 RON 29.95
$4.22 RON 19.97
$8.44 RON 39.93
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.16 RON 5.48
$0.83 RON 3.93
$1.88 RON 8.90
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.51 RON 7.15
$1.07 RON 5.07
$3.42 RON 16.19
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.81 RON 3.85
$0.61 RON 2.89
$1.02 RON 4.81
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$24.73 RON 117
$20.61 RON 97.5
$30.92 RON 146
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.65 RON 3.06
$0.65 RON 3.06
$0.65 RON 3.06
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.66 RON 3.12
$0.66 RON 3.12
$1.23 RON 5.80
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.17 RON 29.18
$6.17 RON 29.18
$7.20 RON 34.07
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.83 RON 8.66
$1.56 RON 7.36
$2.07 RON 9.78
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.5K RON 135.1K
$28.5K RON 135.1K
$28.5K RON 135.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.4K RON 125.0K
$25.8K RON 121.9K
$28.0K RON 132.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$211 RON 996
$103 RON 486
$308 RON 1,458
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.13 RON 43.18
$5.10 RON 24.13
$20.39 RON 96.5
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.58 RON 54.8
$6.31 RON 29.86
$21.05 RON 99.6
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$44.63 RON 211
$31.14 RON 147
$62.3 RON 295
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$22.02 RON 104
$10.66 RON 50.4
$38.36 RON 182
Cinema Ticket
$7.45 RON 35.24
$5.75 RON 27.20
$8.51 RON 40.24
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$423 RON 2,002
$212 RON 1,001
$635 RON 3,003
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,143 RON 38.5K
$8,143 RON 38.5K
$8,769 RON 41.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$61.8 RON 293
$41.22 RON 195
$103 RON 488
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$51.2 RON 242
$10.53 RON 49.84
$84.2 RON 399
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$84.2 RON 398
$53.3 RON 252
$113 RON 534
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$103 RON 487
$63.3 RON 300
$127 RON 599
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$508 RON 2,404
$419 RON 1,982
$576 RON 2,726
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$383 RON 1,814
$310 RON 1,466
$517 RON 2,444
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$893 RON 4,225
$743 RON 3,516
$1,062 RON 5,023
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$596 RON 2,822
$443 RON 2,097
$831 RON 3,930
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,614 RON 12.4K
$2,496 RON 11.8K
$2,775 RON 13.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,960 RON 9,272
$1,658 RON 7,847
$2,086 RON 9,871
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$931 RON 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.
Craiova $1,182
Accommodation & Living
$383
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$231
Groceries & Markets
$193
Eating Out
$147
Clothing & Footwear
$135
Sport & Entertainment
$60
Getting Around
$32

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

Rice is cheaper than 90% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:49 2:49 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
269,506
💱 Currency
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USD, EUR to RON – Romanian Leu Converter

Romanian Leu exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 4.73 RON (1 RON = 0.211 USD). 1 EUR = 5.32 RON (1 RON = 0.188 EUR).

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Craiova Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 $1,182 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.

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