Cost of Living in Romania – 2025 Overview for Foreign Workers
Romania is one of the more affordable countries in the EU, but living costs can still vary based on city and lifestyle. Here's a realistic breakdown of what foreign workers can expect to pay monthly in 2025.
1. Rent & Accommodation
- Shared room in company housing: €0–€100/month (often covered by employer)
- Studio apartment (small city): €180–€250/month
- 1-bedroom apartment (Bucharest or Cluj): €300–€450/month
Tip: Always check if rent includes utilities (water, gas, electricity). Shared housing is cheapest, especially in construction and agriculture jobs.
2. Food & Groceries
- Home cooking (monthly): €100–€150
- Meal at cheap restaurant: €6–€10
- Rice (1kg): €1.50 • Chicken (1kg): €4 • Vegetables (1kg): €1–2
Tip: Many workers save money by cooking and shopping at discount stores like Lidl, Kaufland, or Profi.
3. Transport
- Public transport (monthly pass): €12–€20
- Inter-city bus ticket: €10–€25
Major cities have metro, buses, and trams. Most employers provide transport for workers in rural or industrial areas.
4. Mobile & Internet
- Prepaid SIM (unlimited data): €5–€7/month
- WiFi internet (home): €8–€12/month
Romania has fast and cheap mobile internet. DIGI, Orange, and Vodafone are the main providers.
5. Clothes & Personal Needs
- Basic monthly shopping: €20–€40
- Winter jacket: €40–€80 • Work boots: €25–€60
Estimated Monthly Budget
| Item | Low Budget (€) | Mid Budget (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 100 | 350 |
| Food | 120 | 180 |
| Transport | 15 | 20 |
| Mobile & Internet | 7 | 12 |
| Other | 30 | 50 |
| Total | ~€272 | ~€612 |
Important Tips
- Don’t trust job offers that promise €200/month for full-time work — that’s below legal minimum wage
- Ask your employer clearly: do they offer free housing or meals?
- If you want to send money home, use legal remittance services (Wise, Revolut, Western Union)
Conclusion
With smart budgeting, many foreign workers in Romania can save €200–€400/month. The key is understanding costs, planning ahead, and working legally. Job Point provides guides, verified jobs, and honest info to help you succeed.