From rent to food to transport — what you'll actually spend each month in Bucharest, Cluj, and other university cities.
One of the most common questions we get from prospective students is: "How much money do I actually need per month in Romania?"
The honest answer depends on your city, your lifestyle, and whether you live in a dormitory or rent privately. But we can give you real numbers — not optimistic minimums or worst-case scenarios.
Most international students in Romania live comfortably on €500–€800 per month, covering rent, food, transport, utilities, and a normal social life. Students in dormitories or with very frugal habits can get by on €400. Students in Bucharest with private apartments and active social lives may spend €900–€1,100.
Rent is your biggest monthly expense and varies significantly by city and housing type.
University dormitories are the most affordable option, typically costing €60–€150/month including utilities. Availability is not guaranteed — apply early through your university's international office.
Private rentals offer more comfort and independence. Shared apartments (2–3 students) are the most common choice:
| City | Shared room (private apt) | Studio (alone) |
|---|---|---|
| Iași | €180–€280/month | €280–€400/month |
| Cluj-Napoca | €220–€340/month | €350–€500/month |
| Timișoara | €200–€300/month | €300–€430/month |
| Bucharest | €280–€400/month | €400–€600/month |
| Sibiu / Brașov | €180–€280/month | €270–€380/month |
Prices have risen in the past few years, particularly in Cluj and Bucharest. Factor this into your budget planning rather than relying on older estimates.
Romania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for food — whether you're cooking at home or eating out.
Cooking at home: A weekly shop covering essentials costs €25–€40. Monthly food budget for home cooking: €100–€160.
Eating out: A sit-down meal at a local Romanian restaurant costs €5–€9. A coffee is €1.50–€2.50. University canteens are the cheapest option — subsidised meals can be as low as €2–€3.
Monthly food budget (realistic mix): €150–€220.
Romanian cities have solid public transport networks — buses, trams, trolleybuses, and in some cities, metro (Bucharest). Monthly public transport passes cost €8–€15 depending on the city. Student discounts are available for enrolled students.
Ride-sharing apps (Bolt and Uber both operate widely in Romania) are inexpensive compared to Western Europe — a city centre ride costs €2–€5.
Monthly transport budget: €15–€40.
If you're renting privately, utilities are usually separate from rent. A shared apartment's monthly utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet) typically run €30–€60 per person, more in winter due to heating. Internet is fast and affordable — Romania consistently ranks among the top countries in Europe for broadband speed.
Monthly utilities budget (private rental): €30–€70.
Non-EU students are required to hold valid health insurance for the duration of their stay. Private international student health insurance typically costs €40–€80/month, depending on the provider and coverage level.
Monthly health insurance budget: €40–€80.
A cinema ticket costs €5–€8. A night out may cost €15–€30. Gym memberships run €15–€30/month. Romania has a rich student social scene, especially in cities like Cluj and Iași, and most activities cost a fraction of what you'd pay in Western Europe.
Monthly personal/social budget: €80–€150.
| Category | Budget range |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared private apartment) | €180–€400 |
| Food | €150–€220 |
| Transport | €15–€40 |
| Utilities | €30–€70 |
| Health insurance | €40–€80 |
| Personal/social | €80–€150 |
| Total | €495–€960 |
A comfortable middle ground — private room in a shared apartment, cooking most meals, occasional dining out, normal social life — lands around €650–€750/month in most Romanian cities, and slightly more in Bucharest.
| Country | Estimated monthly living costs |
|---|---|
| Romania | €500–€800 |
| Hungary | €700–€1,000 |
| Poland | €700–€1,100 |
| Germany | €1,000–€1,400 |
| Netherlands | €1,100–€1,600 |
| UK | €1,400–€2,000 |
The difference compounds significantly over a four or six-year degree.
Open a Romanian bank account early. Many transactions — rent, utilities, university payments — are easier with a local account. ScholarPath's on-arrival support includes bank account setup assistance.
Bring enough cash for your first month. Setting up banking, paying a deposit, and covering initial expenses before your first month settles takes more upfront than you might expect.
Factor in one-time arrival costs. A rental deposit (usually one or two months' rent), a SIM card, and initial household supplies can add €300–€600 to your first month.
During your consultation, we walk through your budget, your city preferences, and realistic housing options — so you arrive with a clear financial picture, not a best-guess estimate.
Book a consultation — €50, deducted from your total if you proceed.
Book a consultation and we'll take it from here.
Book a consultation — €50Fee deducted from your total if you proceed