Moving to Romania: Salaries, Benefits, and Cost of Living

Are you considering immigration to Romania? This Eastern European gem is becoming a popular destination for expats. Romania offers a mix of affordable living, growing job opportunities, and unique cultural experiences.

In this article, we’ll cover essential details about salaries, benefits, rent, and the cost of living in Romania. Whether you’re relocating for work or adventure, this guide will help you decide.

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Why Move to Romania?

Romania is located in southeastern Europe. It’s known for its scenic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cities.

Foreigners move to Romania for several reasons:

Affordable cost of living.
Opportunities in IT, engineering, and healthcare.
A growing expat community in cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.

The country is part of the European Union, offering easy travel within Europe. Romania’s friendly locals and low crime rates are also a big draw.

Job Market and Salaries in Romania

Key Sectors for Employment

Romania’s economy is growing, and several industries are booming. Top sectors include:

IT and Tech: Romania is a hub for software development and outsourcing.
Engineering: There’s high demand for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, and medical technicians are needed.
Hospitality and Tourism: With stunning attractions, this sector thrives.

Average Salaries in Romania

Salaries in Romania vary by industry and experience. Here’s a quick breakdown:

IT Specialist: €1,200–€3,000/month.
Engineer: €1,000–€2,500/month.
English Teacher: €800–€1,500/month.
Hospitality Worker: €400–€800/month.

While salaries might seem lower compared to Western Europe, the cost of living balances it out.

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Cost of Living in Romania

Romania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. From rent to groceries, expenses are manageable.

Rent in Romania

Rental costs depend on the city and neighborhood.

Bucharest: €300–€600/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cluj-Napoca: €250–€500/month.
Smaller Cities: €150–€350/month.

Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, add about €100–€150 monthly.

Groceries and Dining

Food is affordable in Romania. Fresh produce and local products are widely available.

Monthly groceries for one person: €150–€250.
Dining at a mid-range restaurant: €8–€15 per meal.

Transportation

Public transportation is efficient and cheap.

Monthly bus or metro pass: €15–€20.
Taxi rides: €0.50–€0.70 per kilometer.

If you drive, fuel costs around €1.40/liter.

Work Benefits and Taxes

Work Benefits

Romania offers generous work benefits.

Paid Vacation: 21–28 days annually.
Sick Leave: Paid leave with medical proof.
Parental Leave: Up to 24 months for new parents.

Taxes in Romania

Employees pay income tax at a flat rate of 10%. Social security and healthcare contributions add about 25%.

Despite these deductions, Romania’s tax system is simpler than many EU countries.

Education and Healthcare

Education

Romania has public and private schools. Public schools teach in Romanian, but private schools often offer English programs.

Higher education is affordable. Many universities have courses in English, especially in medicine and engineering.

Healthcare

Romania provides universal healthcare. Employers contribute to public health insurance, giving employees access to hospitals and clinics.

However, many expats prefer private healthcare. Costs are affordable compared to Western Europe, and service is faster.

Life in Romania

Romania’s lifestyle blends tradition and modernity.

Cultural Highlights

Medieval castles, like Bran Castle.
Festivals, including the George Enescu Music Festival.
Delicious cuisine, such as sarmale and mămăligă.

Social Life

Romanians are warm and hospitable. Cities have vibrant nightlife and cultural events.

Safety

Romania is one of the safest countries in Europe. Petty theft can occur, but violent crime is rare.

Tips for Moving to Romania

Visa Requirements

Non-EU citizens need a work or residency visa. EU citizens can live and work freely. Learn more about visas at Romanian Immigration Office.

Language

Romanian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in cities. Learning basic Romanian phrases will help.

Banking

Open a Romanian bank account for easy transactions. Popular banks include Banca Transilvania and BRD.

The Expat Community

Romania’s expat community is growing. Facebook groups like Expats in Bucharest and Living in Cluj connect newcomers.

These networks provide advice, housing leads, and social events.

Conclusion

Immigrating to Romania offers many benefits. Low living costs, exciting job opportunities, and a rich culture make it attractive.

If you’re ready to make the move, research thoroughly and prepare for an adventure.

For more information on living in Romania, visit Just Landed’s Romania Guide or the Romanian Immigration Office.