Cost of Living in Craiova, Romania

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How Much Does It Cost to Live In Craiova?

Craiova is considered one of the top five major cities of Romania.

One thing very characteristic for this city is that here, there are striking extremes of very poor and uneducated people and very rich and intelligent people, just like there are very poor and unimproved districts and some that are rich and well built.

The good thing about the city of Craiova is the fact that it is considerably cheaper than most other major cities of Romania.

Still, be careful so as not to overspend: with gorgeous Romanian cuisine and beautiful surroundings, it’s easy to get carried away.

RESTAURANTS

The city has many restaurants with decent prices and a lot of fast foods and western chain restaurants. Ranging from traditional Romanian, Hungarian and Transylvanian, there is a number of diners and restaurants where you can try Romania’s most delicious food. Here you can find everything, from fancy restaurants to local fast food shops. A meal at one of the mentioned inexpensive restaurants in Craiova will cost you only 4$.

MARKETS

You can go grocery shopping in supermarkets, like the Hypermarket Metro as well as the many open and closed markets throughout the city, like Piata Mare (the Big Market). Stores and supermarkets are open until late, even during weekends. You can find tasty organically-farmed fruits and vegetables in special markets in all cities throughout the city.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxis are relatively more expensive in Craiova than in other parts of Romania, but still cheap by European levels, and very convenient. Uber is actually more expensive than regular taxis, so your best bet is to use CleverTaxi app for taxi services. Public transport is far from reliable in Craiova, but it’s still very cheap. A one-way ticket for public transport is around 0.50$.

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Average cost for all utilities (meaning sewerage, water, gas, building management, garbage, electricity, TV and internet) in an 85m2 apartment in Craiova would be at around 80$ per month in the summer months and 160$ per month in the winter months. Internet speed is lightning fast in Craiova, like in the rest of Romania. You can get 1GB/s download speed for about 10$ every month.

SPORTS & LEISURE

Like most cities in Romaania, Craiova too has many natural resorts for practicing sports outside. You can go for a ride with your bike in the city or go for a walk anywhere around the city. However, if you’re more of an indoor person, you can become a member of a gym or fitness club for around 26$. There are also many cinemas in Craiova, and they cost around 5$ per ticket.

CLOTHING & SHOES

There is a shopping mall recently opened in Craiova, called the Electroputere Shopping Mall, and since 2012, you can find all your desired clothing and shoes here. There are also many smaller shops in the city center, so you can choose where you want to shop. You can buy quality jeans for around 40$, and running sneakers for only 60$.

RENT PER MONTH

Rents in Craiova are actually considerably lower than in most other parts of Romania. It is so cheap, in fact, that you’ll spend almost the same amount on money on rent as on transportation costs. You can find places where you’ll pay 180$ for a one-bedroom apartment – if it’s far from the center, while anything above 250$ means you’re probably located in the best part of the city.

Cost of Living Averages Table for Craiova

How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Craiova?

It’s no surprise that people in Craiova spend most of their money on food and groceries – that’s the situation mostly anywhere in the world.

The interesting thing here is that many smaller cities in Romania have rent prices so low, that they’re monthly cost is almost lower than the monthly cost for transportation expenses.

That’s the case with Craiova, too.

After transportation, the next biggest expense for the people of Craiova is restaurant expenses -since many people actually eat all three of their daily meals in restaurants, diners and similar facilities.

Apparel percentages are the lowest in Craiova, as in every other city in the world.

Average Costs Breakdown

Craiova: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages

With low prices usually come the low wages and salaries, and this is the case in Craiova, too.

Though the wages are not staggeringly low, they are just barely enough to earn for a basic living.

Average monthly net salary per capita in Craiova is around 500$, which is actually a minimum wage in many other Romanian cities.

This is just enough to cover all basic expenses and not have to worry about tomorrow but it’s definitely not enough for a comfortable, quality life where you can actually save up for your future.

Minimum wage in Craiova is around 250$ – which is pretty low.

Cost of Living by City in Craiova