Living in Romania
Last updated on Feb 07, 2024
Summary: People often describe life in Romania as vibrant and full of culture. Expats love the friendly people, the beautiful landscapes, the delicious food, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. The population of Romania is approximately 19.5 million people, and the largest cities are Bucharest (the capital), Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, and Constanta. The cons of living in Romania include the lack of job opportunities, the slow bureaucracy, and the language barrier. Additionally, the infrastructure is not as developed as in other European countries, and the healthcare system is not as advanced.
What do I need to know about living in Romania?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Romania, they said:
"My advice would mostly depend upon the person's situation. Most single men I know love Bucharest. Most families with small children like Bucharest because of the affordability of domestic help. Nursery schools are plentiful and inexpensive. But the life in Bucharest can wear on you. I know many people who have spent their life living overseas and are frustrated by this city. The traffic and the blatant disregard of the rules of the road are frustrating. While the traffic here is no worse than any major city (and certainly not worse than WDC or New York City), the drivers seem to care only about where they need to go and what they need to do to get there. Lane patterns, the color of stop lights, pedestrians in the road, tram tracks all mean nothing to most Romanian drivers. Service in restaurants is unbelievably slow. At some point you get used to being ignored. Trying to find someone to help you in a store with a question you have is impossible. The general attitude of seeming to not care is frustrating. Yet Romanians are genuinely nice people, which seems to contradict all of what I have just said. They have big hearts if you have a relationship with them," said one expat in Bucharest.
"Think very carefully about the move. Ask your company to provide details of their ex-pat support program before you move. Come on a familiarisation visit before you come. Constanta is a lot better developed that I imagined but there is limited ex-pat activity. I spent 3 months before I came here trying to get detailed information on the town and not a lot of information is available," said one expat who made the move to Constanta.
"Expect bureaucracy at every turn! Romanians love to make themselves feel important by holding their ink stamps and having you come back for something 5 times, mostly because they're just too lazy to get off their rears and do their jobs. It's never their fault, it's yours and you're disturbing them that you should even expect them to do something faster than 3 months time. Be prepared to have your patience pressed to its limits, and then some," explained one expat living in Iasi, Romania.
"I would advise against it. I like to travel all over Romania, it is a beautiful country. Iasi, however, is like being in a totally different country from the rest of Romania. It's a very dirty city, very poor, with very little to offer in the form of entertainment. Absolutely nothing here for families. I would suggest Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara or Bucuresti," mentioned one in Iasi.
Get Quote
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Get Quote
How do I meet people in Romania?
When we asked people living in Romania about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"There are no clubs or anything. It's very hard here to meet Expats and even Romanians. I am alone all day. Some tourists come to Mamaia in Summer but it's so run down, only some Romanians from Bucharest are visiting," wrote one member in Constanta.
"I have met very few Americans, the rare businessman passing through, a few students. You are more likely to encounter Brits or other foreigners," remarked one expat who made the move to Iasi.
"The International Women's Association is a great place to meet female expats from all walks of life, including from the host country. IWA is extremely involved in charity work and hosts an annual bazaar in December, which is the highlight of the organization's year. Moms with small children have several baby groups from which to choose, both in the suburbs by the American school and in the city," explained one expat living in Bucharest, Romania.
"Expats in Romania often join local clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending meetups and networking events," said one expat in Romania.
"There's the American corner, though I've never visited it. Social networking sites can be a great resource also, you'll find many curious Romanians that will seek you out if you're friendly and intelligent," said one expat who made the move to Iasi.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
What is life like in Romania?
When we asked people living in Romania what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Romanian values are based on family. They like to party and are warm people. Of course, like everywhere, you sometimes have to be careful : being an expat you must "choose" your true friends," said one expat in Brasov.
"Yes work they have to make a living. I see them walking in the park on weekends. Not much to do here," said one expat who made the move to Constanta.
"Iasi is a very poor city, the average Romanian in Iasi works 10-12 hour shifts, 6 days a week. When they're not working, Romanians in Iasi tend to be "homebodies" and spend their little free time at home, with family and friends," explained one expat living in Iasi, Romania.
"Expat and digital nomads in Romania enjoy a vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a low cost of living. Romania is a great place to explore, with its medieval towns, castles, and churches, as well as its vibrant cities. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of accommodation options, from apartments to villas, and the country is well connected with an extensive public transport network. The people of Romania are friendly and welcoming, and the country is a great place to meet new people and make friends. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the country's excellent healthcare system and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing to hiking," mentioned one in Romania.
Is there a lot of crime in Romania?
We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:
"Crime is a problem in Romania, with reports of theft, pickpocketing, and other forms of property crime occurring in major cities. Violent crime is also a concern, with reports of assaults, robberies, and other violent incidents occurring in some areas. Organized crime is also a problem in Romania, with reports of drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities," said one expat in Romania.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Romania accepting of differences?
"Yes, Romania is a culturally diverse country. It is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including Romanians, Hungarians, Roma, Ukrainians, Germans, and Turks. People in Romania are generally accepting of differences and strive to create a tolerant and inclusive society," explained one expat living in Romania.
"They are not accepting any other religion then theirs but nobody has asked me about it so far. I try to stay away from questions like this," said one expat in Constanta.
Get Quote
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Get Quote
What are the schools in Romania like?
"Make an appointment and take the whole family along - the children will give you feedback about their views. Have questions ready in advance and ask lots of them. The school has a policy of honesty so do not expect 'soft' answers adapted to your own circumstances. The school knows what it does and does it well," explained one expat living in Bucharest, Romania.
"The British School of Bucharest is one of the best international schools in Romania. It is a co-educational school offering the National Curriculum of England and Wales, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school has a strong focus on academic excellence, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a strong emphasis on developing the whole child. The International School of Bucharest is another excellent international school in Romania. It is a co-educational school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, as well as the International Primary Curriculum. The school has a strong focus on developing the whole child, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a strong emphasis on developing the whole child. The American International School of Bucharest is a bilingual school in Romania offering an American-style curriculum. The school has a strong focus on academic excellence, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a strong emphasis on developing the whole child. The International School of Cluj-Napoca is a bilingual school in Romania offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, as well as the International Primary Curriculum. The school has a strong focus on developing the whole child, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a strong emphasis on developing the whole child," said one parent with children at in .
Is the cost of living in Romania high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Romania, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Romania is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries. Eating out can also be quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around 10-15 euros. Rent prices vary depending on the city and the size of the apartment, but generally range from 200-400 euros per month," said one expat who made the move to Romania.
"The cost of living in Romania is generally considered to be quite affordable. The capital city of Bucharest is the most expensive place to live in the country, with prices for goods and services being higher than in other parts of Romania. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Romania is around $400 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $600 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Romania will cost around $10 USD per person," wrote one expat living in Romania.
What type of recreational facilities are in Romania?
When we asked people living in Romania about recreational activities, they mentioned:
"In Romania, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and outdoor sports facilities. Parks are a popular destination for locals, offering a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, and picnicking. Beaches are also a popular destination, with many offering swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. Outdoor sports facilities are also available, such as tennis courts, soccer fields, and basketball courts. Additionally, Romania has a number of indoor recreational facilities, such as bowling alleys, movie theaters, and arcades," mentioned an expat living in Romania.
What is the weather like in Romania?
"The weather in Romania is generally mild, with warm summers and cold winters. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the most precipitation occurring in the mountains. Snowfall is also common in the winter months, especially in the higher elevations. The climate in Romania is generally humid, with temperatures ranging from cool to hot depending on the season," remarked one expat in Romania.
Are there good restaurants in Romania?
"One of Romania's most beloved restaurants is Caru' cu Bere, located in Bucharest. This traditional restaurant has been serving up delicious Romanian cuisine since 1879, and is known for its unique atmosphere and live music. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), ciorba (sour soup), and mamaliga (cornmeal porridge). Another popular restaurant in Romania is La Mama, located in Cluj-Napoca. This restaurant serves up a variety of traditional Romanian dishes, such as sarmale, ciorba, and mamaliga, as well as a selection of international dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the restaurant is known for its friendly staff and excellent service. Finally, La Placinte is a popular restaurant in Bucharest that specializes in traditional Romanian cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes, such as sarmale, ciorba, and mamaliga, as well as a selection of international dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the restaurant is known for its friendly staff and excellent service," said one expat living in Romania.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Romania?
"People living in Romania typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at malls, department stores, and specialty shops. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Romania," mentioned an expat living in Romania.
What are the visa & residency requirements in Romania?
"In order to visit Romania, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and any other documents required by the Romanian Embassy or Consulate. In order to obtain residency in Romania, foreign nationals must submit an application to the Romanian Immigration Office. The application must include a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and any other documents required by the Immigration Office. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will be issued a residence permit, which must be renewed every year," remarked one expat in Romania.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Romania?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Romania can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is free for Romanian citizens, but the quality of care can be lower than that of private healthcare. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide access to higher quality care and more specialized services. Additionally, some employers may offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," said one expat.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Romania?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Romania?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Romania?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Romania accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Romania like?
- Is the cost of living in Romania high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Romania?
- What are healthcare services like in Romania?
- Is the cost of living in Romania high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Romania?
- What is the weather like in Romania?
- Are there good restaurants in Romania?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Romania?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Romania?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Romania?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Romania?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Romania?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?