Cost of Living and Studying in Romania: A Guide for International Students

Many are searching for the cost of living in Romania for students, as this is a crucial question for anyone considering studying in Romania, regardless of their educational stage.

If you've decided or are still considering moving to study at Romanian universities, it's essential to ensure you can afford the living expenses to avoid hastily making your decision.

Although Romania is a European Union member state, its living costs are not as high as in many other European countries.

Living expenses in Romania are lower compared to countries like Hungary or the Czech Republic, and even cheaper than living in the United States.

Before detailing the cost of living in Romania, you need to understand what "cost of living" means to plan your finances correctly and consciously.

Cost of living refers to the amount of money an individual needs to cover daily expenses, including housing

food, healthcare, transportation, recreational activities, clothing, and other services.

Knowing the cost of living helps determine the amount of money needed to live or study in Romania.

Living expenses in Romania vary depending on the city you settle in.

Additionally, it's important to know that the Romanian currency is the Romanian Leu (RON), equivalent to 0.22 USD.

Despite global economic crises, housing and rent prices in Romania remain stable.

Students have various housing options, including private buildings, shared apartments, and student dorms.

As mentioned earlier, housing prices vary from one city to another.

Generally, housing costs in Romania range from $200 to $490 for apartments.

Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca are the cities with the highest housing prices in Romania.

Food prices in Romania are very reasonable compared to many other European countries. Here are some typical prices:

- Loaf of bread:

about $0.75

- Liter of milk:

$1.25

- Regular meal at a restaurant:

$8.6

- Kilogram of chicken:

$5.15

- Kilogram of vegetables:

$0.95

Additionally, other products can be found at reasonable prices:

- Kilogram of rice:

$1.2

- Box of eggs (12 eggs):

$2.5

- Kilogram of fruit (like apples):

$1.4

The cost of living in Romania is about 50% less than in other Eastern European countries.

NOTE: Cooking at home is significantly cheaper than relying on restaurant meals or ready-made supermarket meals.

A crucial service everyone looks for when traveling abroad is the internet.

Romania ranks third globally in internet speed, offering high-speed connectivity essential for staying connected, studying, and research.

Monthly internet subscription costs around $7.50 for a 60 Mbps connection, which is incredibly affordable.

- Transportation Costs

Transportation costs in Romania are low compared to many other European countries.

The monthly public transport ticket costs about $4, with variations depending on the city:

• Bucharest:

The highest in cost, but offers a comprehensive network of buses, trams, and metro.

• Cluj-Napoca:

Cheaper than Bucharest and provides effective public transportation.

- Entertainment Costs

Entertainment costs in Romania are reasonable and suitable for all demographics.

Entry tickets for cinema, theatre, or museum range from $6 to $11.

Additionally, many cultural events and music festivals are held throughout the year, often free or at minimal cost.

- Healthcare Costs

Healthcare in Romania relies on a health insurance system costing about $55 monthly.

The healthcare system in Romania offers good medical services, including:

• Medical examinations:

Affordable and cover most medical specialties.

• Hospital treatment:

Good quality care, covering most health conditions.

• Medications:

Available at reasonable prices in pharmacies.

- Average Monthly Student Bills in Romania

• Electricity and Water:

Electricity costs for a medium-sized apartment range between $30-50 monthly, while water bills are about $10-15 monthly.

• Heating and Gas:

Heating costs during winter range between $40-70 monthly.

• Mobile Phones:

Mobile services are low-cost, with comprehensive call and data packages around $10-15 monthly.

- Additional Tips for Students

• Look for deals:

Find special offers for internet and mobile plans to save more.

• Use public transportation:

Prefer public transport to save on travel costs.

• Utilize health insurance:

Enroll in health insurance for excellent medical services at low costs.

By following these tips, students and residents in Romania can enjoy high-quality services at affordable costs

enhancing their quality of life and benefiting from all the advantages of this beautiful European country.

After getting a general idea about the cost of living in Romania, knowing the pros and cons of living in Romania

might help you learn more about the country where you plan to spend several years.

- Pros of Living in Romania

• Strategic Location:

Located in Southeastern Central Europe, Romania is a crossroads between the Western and Eastern world, making travel to other European countries easy.

• Low Living Costs:

Living costs in Romania are low compared to many other European countries, making it an ideal destination for students and residents with limited budgets.

• Hospitable Society:

Romanians are known for their generosity, respect for women, and preservation of customs and traditions, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

• Linguistic Diversity:

The official language in Romania is Romanian, a Latin-based language. 89% of the population speaks it, 7% speak Hungarian, and 1.5% speak German.

• Religious Tolerance:

Christianity dominates among the population, but there are minorities with different religions, fostering an atmosphere of tolerance and coexistence.

• Cultural and Recreational Activities:

Bucharest was chosen as the coolest city in Europe in 2012 for tourists to have fun. Bucharest has over 40 fun and open museums

including the second-largest open-air museum globally. Cinemas, theatres, music festivals, and exciting concerts are widespread in Romania.

• Air Quality and Safety:

Romania ranks 48th in the world in air quality according to the World Health Organization and is one of the safest European countries with low crime rates.

• World Heritage Sites:

Romania has 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it rich in history, culture, and monuments.

• Moderate Climate:

Residents can enjoy all four seasons, with warm springs and summers, moderate autumns, and snowy winters.

• Fast Internet:

Romania ranks third globally in internet speed, facilitating communication and remote work.

- Cons of Living in Romania

• Bureaucracy:

You may face some complex bureaucratic procedures when dealing with government services or trying to obtain permits and residency.

• Infrastructure:

Despite ongoing improvements, infrastructure in some areas may not be at the level of more developed European countries.

• Language:

Although English is widely used in major cities, Romanian is the official language, which may be a challenge for some foreigners initially.

• Economic Disparity:

There is economic disparity between major cities and rural areas, where services and job opportunities may be fewer.

• Healthcare System:

Despite relying on health insurance, there are some complaints about the quality of medical services in some government hospitals.

Romania is an excellent study destination for those seeking a robust educational system.

It offers a distinctive educational environment, ensuring students receive a degree

that qualifies them for the global job market within advanced European countries.

- Quality Education and Universities

Romania boasts universities ranked among the best globally, such as the University of Bucharest and the University of Cluj-Napoca.

These universities have high-level faculties and offer advanced academic programs in various fields.

- Bologna System

Romania adheres to the Bologna system, which aims to unify education systems in Europe.

This system provides excellent academic coordination and facilitates student mobility between European universities, enhancing the quality of education.

- Diverse Specializations

Romanian universities offer diverse specializations, including medicine, engineering, arts, and technology.

This diversity allows students to choose a specialization that aligns with their interests and academic aspirations.

- Research Opportunities and International Support

Romanian universities encourage scientific research and provide support for international students

including cultural adaptation assistance and multi-language education opportunities.