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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Iasi 2024
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Cost of Living in Iasi

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Iasi helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Lasi
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Lasi is around €200-€250 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €400-€500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €150-€200 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €300-€400 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Lasi varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from €50,000 to €70,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from €90,000 to €120,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from €30,000 to €50,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from €60,000 to €90,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Lasi is inexpensive and efficient. A single ticket costs around €0.50 and a monthly pass costs around €15. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around €2.50 for the first kilometer and €0.50 for each additional kilometer.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Lasi is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €0.50, a liter of milk costs around €0.80, a dozen eggs costs around €1.50, and a kilogram of cheese costs around €4.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Lasi is relatively low. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €5.00, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €15.00. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around €30.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Lasi is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a 85m2 apartment is around €50.00. The average monthly cost for internet is around €20.00.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Lasi varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition costs around €100-€200 per month. Elementary school tuition costs around €200-€400 per month. Middle school tuition costs around €400-€600 per month. High school tuition costs around €600-€800 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Iasi

"The cost of living in Lasi can vary depending on factors such as where you live and your lifestyle, but in general, it is not considered to be particularly high," said one expat living in Lasi.

"The cost of living in Lasi is generally affordable, with low housing and rental prices. The cost of groceries, transportation, and utilities are also relatively inexpensive. However, salaries in Lasi tend to be lower compared to other major cities in Romania. Eating out at restaurants and enjoying leisure activities can be done at a reasonable cost, making Lasi an attractive option for those looking for a lower cost of living," wrote a member in Lasi.

Can I live in Iasi on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Iasi, Romania for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you'd like, or you might have to cut back on some of your entertainment expenses.When it comes to housing, I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Tatarasi, Nicolina, or Canta, as these areas tend to be more affordable. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $300-$400 a month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses. On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Copou, Bucium, or Pacurari, as these areas are more expensive and might not fit within your budget.In terms of transportation, public transport is quite affordable in Iasi, with a monthly pass costing around $15. If you prefer to drive, you'll find that gas prices are relatively low compared to other European countries, but you'll need to factor in the cost of car maintenance and insurance.Groceries are also quite affordable in Iasi, especially if you shop at local markets and avoid imported products. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits.As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options in Iasi, such as going to the cinema, visiting museums, or attending local events. However, if you're used to frequenting high-end bars and clubs, you might find that these venues can be quite expensive, so you'll need to budget accordingly.In conclusion, living in Iasi on $1,500 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being conscious of your entertainment expenses, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Lasi.

Can I live in Iasi on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Iasi, Romania for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more budget-friendly areas in Iasi include Tatarasi, Nicolina, and Canta. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of affordability and access to amenities, such as supermarkets, public transportation, and parks. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Copou, Bucium, and Pacurari, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in the affordable neighborhoods for around $300 to $500 per month. However, if you're looking for a more luxurious apartment or a house, you might have to pay upwards of $1,000 per month, which could eat into your budget.In terms of transportation, public transportation is quite affordable in Iasi, with a monthly pass costing around $15. If you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of a car, insurance, and fuel, which can add up quickly. However, Iasi is a relatively small city, so you might find that you don't need a car and can rely on public transportation or even walking to get around.Eating out in Iasi can be quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15 per person. However, if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants, you might have to cut back on that, as it can get quite expensive. Cooking at home can help you save money, and you'll find that groceries are reasonably priced, with a monthly grocery bill for one person averaging around $200 to $300.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be affordable in Iasi, with a movie ticket costing around $5 and a gym membership around $30 per month. However, if you're used to frequenting high-end bars and clubs, you might have to cut back on that, as it can get quite expensive.Overall, living in Iasi on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment. By choosing an affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your spending habits, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this charming Romanian city," said one expat living in Lasi.

Can I live in Iasi on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Iasi, Romania for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might be surprised at how far your money can go here. There are some sacrifices you might have to make, but overall, I think you'll find that the quality of life is quite good.First, let's talk about housing. There are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Iasi where you can find a nice apartment or house for a reasonable price. Some of the more affordable areas include Tatarasi, Nicolina, and Canta. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600 a month for a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods. If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, you might want to check out Copou, Bucium, or Pacurari. These areas are more expensive, but you'll find larger, more modern apartments and houses, with prices ranging from $800 to $1,500 a month.As for transportation, Iasi has a decent public transportation system, including buses and trams. A monthly pass will cost you around $15, which is quite affordable. However, if you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of a car, insurance, and gas. Gas prices in Romania are higher than in the US, so that's something to keep in mind.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices are generally lower than in the US. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries, depending on your preferences. Dining out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15 per person. Of course, if you prefer more upscale dining, you'll need to budget more for that.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Iasi without breaking the bank. There are numerous parks, museums, and cultural events to enjoy, many of which are free or have a low entrance fee. If you're into sports and fitness, you'll find that gym memberships are quite affordable, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 a month.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of shopping for clothing and electronics. Imported goods can be more expensive in Romania, so you might need to adjust your shopping habits or budget accordingly. However, there are plenty of local markets and shops where you can find affordable clothing and other items.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Iasi on $5,000 a month is not only doable but quite comfortable. You might need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle, but I believe you'll find that the lower cost of living and the rich cultural experiences more than make up for any sacrifices you have to make," commented an expat living in Lasi.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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