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Living in Romania

Romania offers a compelling mix of Eastern European affordability and Western European comfort for those considering relocating.

Why Move to Romania?

Several factors make Romania attractive for residents:

  1. Nature – Romania has spectacular natural beauty with the Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta, and Black Sea coast. Forests cover one third of the country, offering nature escapes close to cities.
  2. Cost of Living – Living costs are significantly lower than Western Europe, making Romania a comparative bargain. Healthcare, transportation, and consumer goods are all very affordable.
  3. Culture – Romania has a rich history spanning the Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Communism. The result is a diverse cultural heritage expressed through architecture, art, festivals and traditions.
  4. Emerging Economy – Romania’s economy is growing steadily, driven by sectors like IT, tourism, manufacturing and agriculture. Employment opportunities are expanding for skilled workers.
  5. Lifestyle – Romanians enjoy an outdoorsy lifestyle, spending weekends hiking, biking, and relaxing by lakes and rivers. The pace of life is more relaxed compared to Western Europe.

Living in Romania: Pros and Cons

Pros: low cost of living, affordability of necessities, proximity to nature, emerging job market, cultural heritage

Cons: underdeveloped infrastructure in some areas, limited work for non-Romanian speakers, risks of corruption and red tape, lower wages for some jobs

The Cost of Living in Romania: A Comprehensive Guide

Living costs in Romania are roughly 40-60% lower than Western Europe.

  • Housing: Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment averages €300-600/month in Bucharest. Property prices are among the lowest in the EU.
  • Food: Grocery costs are 30-40% lower due to highly efficient agriculture. Restaurants are also affordable.
  • Utilities: Bills for water, electricity, and heating tend to be lower than Western Europe due to lower rates.
  • Healthcare: Romania’s public healthcare system provides universal coverage. Out-of-pocket costs for treatments and prescriptions are reasonable.
  • Transportation: Public transit in cities is inexpensive, while fuel and vehicle costs match Central Europe.

Quality of Life in Romania

Overall quality of life is improving as Romania’s economy grows but still lags behind Western Europe:

  • Health: Life expectancy increased to 76 years but still below the EU average of 81. The health system struggles with issues of efficiency and access.
  • Education: Literacy exceeds 99% and education is free through university. However, the quality of teaching lags more developed systems.
  • Safety: Crime levels have decreased in recent years but remain higher than Western Europe, especially in rural areas. Bucharest is relatively safe.
  • Infrastructure: Roads, Internet access, and other infrastructure are underdeveloped compared to the EU average due to underinvestment.

A Beginner’s Guide to Romania Culture

Romanian culture has a rich mix of ethnic Romanian, Slavic and other influences:

  • Language: Romanian is a Romance language related to French, Italian and Spanish. Many Romanians also speak some Russian and English.
  • Religion: The majority of Romanians are Orthodox Christians who celebrate religious festivals throughout the year.
  • Food: Staple dishes include mămăligă cornbread, sarmale stuffed cabbage rolls, and mici sausages. Grill roast pork and beef feature prominently.
  • Arts: Folk art, crafts, architecture and music show Eastern Orthodox, Slavic and Turkish influences.
  • People: Romanians are known as warm, family-oriented and community-focused with strong hospitality traditions.

Best Places to Live in Romania

Top cities and towns for residents include:

  1. Bucharest: The capital has the most jobs, amenities and cultural attractions but also heavy traffic.
  2. Cluj-Napoca: Western Romania’s largest city has a vibrant cultural scene, laidback atmosphere and large student population.
  3. Sibiu: A historic medieval town in Transylvania with a high quality of life, beautiful architecture and hiking/biking opportunities.
  4. Sinaia/Brașov: These nearby mountain resorts offer both city comforts and access to hiking trails in the Carpathians.
  5. Danube Delta: A unique rural destination with the largest delta in Europe, home to diverse wildlife and fishing villages.

In conclusion, living in Romania offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, affordability and an improving quality of life. While the country still faces challenges, its many attractions make it well worth considering as a place to call home.

Emily Johnson

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