Romania, located in Eastern Europe, has become a top destination for expats, students, and families, offering a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern infrastructure. Whether you’re moving for studies, career opportunities, or lifestyle, Romania’s cities cater to all needs. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best cities in Romania to live in 2025, focusing on affordability, job prospects, lifestyle, and overall quality of life.
Why Romania is an Attractive Place to Live
Romania has seen a surge in popularity among expats and international students, thanks to its unique combination of affordable living, modern amenities, and rich culture. Although, cost of living in Romania will vary depending on the city you choose!
Here are a few reasons why Romania is becoming one of Europe’s top destinations:
- Affordable Living: Compared to other European countries, Romania offers a lower cost of living, making it an ideal choice for expats and students looking to stretch their budgets.
- Rich History and Culture: Romania boasts a fascinating history, from medieval castles like Bran Castle (the inspiration for Dracula) to the Carpathian Mountains. Living here offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modernity.
- Growing Economy: Romania’s economy has been steadily growing, with strong sectors in IT, manufacturing, and agriculture. This provides ample job opportunities for skilled professionals.
- High Quality of Life: Cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara offer high-quality healthcare, efficient public transport systems, and an overall safe living environment.
Top 10 Best Cities in Romania to Live in 2025
Romania is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe for those seeking an excellent quality of life. The best cities in Romania offer an ideal balance of affordability, job opportunities, rich culture, and high living standards. Whether you’re considering a move for work, study, or a fresh start, these cities cater to all types of residents, from international students to families and young professionals.
In 2025, the best cities in Romania to live feature modern infrastructure, vibrant cultural scenes, and the chance to experience both the old-world charm and modern-day conveniences. From the bustling urban centers of Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca to the picturesque towns surrounded by nature, Romania has something to offer everyone.
Below, we’ll look at the top 10 best cities in Romania to live in 2025. These cities offer a mix of affordability, job opportunities, culture, and overall lifestyle:
|
City |
Population |
Cost of Living (Index) |
Monthly Rent (1-BR Apt.) |
Best Feature |
|
Bucharest |
1.8 million |
50/100 |
$550 |
Capital city, career opportunities |
|
Cluj-Napoca |
324,000 |
47/100 |
$500 |
Tech hub, student-friendly |
|
Timișoara |
319,000 |
45/100 |
$400 |
Cultural hub, diverse expat community |
|
Iași |
290,000 |
42/100 |
$350 |
Educational center, affordable living |
|
Brașov |
290,000 |
40/100 |
$350 |
Scenic views, historical charm |
|
Constanța |
300,000 |
46/100 |
$450 |
Seaside living, growing economy |
|
Sibiu |
170,000 |
41/100 |
$400 |
Rich history, tourism, and culture |
|
Oradea |
220,000 |
38/100 |
$350 |
Affordable, developing infrastructure |
|
Ploiești |
200,000 |
44/100 |
$380 |
Strong local economy, proximity to Bucharest |
|
Craiova |
300,000 |
43/100 |
$380 |
Affordable, industrial growth |
Bucharest – The Capital of Opportunities
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, is the country’s most dynamic city, offering unmatched career prospects, especially in the fields of IT, finance, and business. It’s a modern city with excellent transport links, shopping centers, and a vibrant nightlife. Though slightly more expensive than other Romanian cities, it remains highly affordable compared to Western European capitals. With a population of over 1.8 million, Bucharest is a hub for international expats and students.
Bucharest has been introduced as one of the best cities in Romania due to the fact that it offers notable career growth, high-quality life style and a great variety of cultural activities. Palace of Parliament, Old Town, endless cafes and restaurants, are some of the monuments and social hubs that are available in Bucharest!
Cluj-Napoca – The Tech Hub of Romania
Known as the “Silicon Valley of Romania,” Cluj-Napoca is the country’s leading IT and tech city. The city has one of the highest standards of living, with modern infrastructure and a student-driven atmosphere. As the second-largest city in Romania, it boasts several prestigious universities and a rapidly growing tech scene. It’s also a great place for international students due to its academic reputation and affordable living.
Considering the fact that Cluj-Napoca holds a vibrant student culture, it is one of the best cities in Romania for students. Besides, it offers tech professionals endless work opportunities. “Cluj Arena” and “Central Park” has been known as the highlights of this city.
Timișoara – The Cultural Capital
This city is known for its cultural diversity, with influences from Hungary, Germany, and Serbia. This city is rapidly developing and offers a lively atmosphere with theaters, museums, and music festivals. The cost of living is lower than in Bucharest, making it an ideal place for young professionals and families alike. Timișoara is also slated to be a European Capital of Culture in 2023, further boosting its international reputation.
This city is great for expats and culture lovers and some of the highlights of this city, are Timișoara Opera, Union Square, local wine festivals.
Iași – A Hub for Education and History
Known as the “City of Great Lovers,” Iași is Romania’s educational heart. With numerous universities, including the prestigious Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași is a top destination for students. It also offers a rich history, from its medieval churches to its vibrant student scene, making it a dynamic place to live.
Iași is one of the best cities in Romania for history lovers and students. Also, some of the monuments and highlights of the city are Iași Palace of Culture, Botanical Garden and local cafes.
Brașov – The Gateway to the Carpathian Mountains
Nestled between the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov is one of Romania’s most scenic cities. The historic town center, with its colorful buildings and medieval architecture, offers a unique living experience.
Brașov is an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter lifestyle but still close to urban amenities. Nature lovers and families will enjoy living in this city! Black Church, Council Square, nearby ski resorts has been known as the famous highlights of Brașov.
Constanța – A Coastal Gem on the Black Sea
Constanța, located on Romania’s Black Sea coast, is a vibrant port city known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and thriving tourism industry. If you’re seeking a coastal lifestyle with a mix of historical charm and modern amenities, Constanța is one of the best cities in Romania to live.
The cost of living in Constanța is slightly higher than in smaller cities, but still quite affordable compared to major European cities. Rent, food, and transportation are relatively inexpensive.
Constanța has a strong economy based on maritime industries, tourism, and agriculture. Job opportunities are especially plentiful in tourism, hospitality, and trade-related sectors.
Eventually, this city is truly one of the best cities in Romania for those who love the coast and are seeking a city with a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.
Sibiu – A Medieval Treasure with Modern Charm
Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Sibiu is a medieval city that seamlessly blends history with modern living. Known for its stunning architecture, picturesque old town, and welcoming atmosphere, Sibiu is often considered one of the best cities in Romania to live. Sibiu offers a very affordable cost of living compared to larger cities like Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca. You can enjoy a high standard of living without breaking the bank.
While Sibiu has a smaller job market compared to larger cities, opportunities exist in tourism, education, and IT, especially as the city continues to develop its infrastructure and attract more investment.
Known for its medieval charm, Sibiu is home to beautiful squares, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old churches. The city is also famous for its cultural festivals, including the Sibiu International Theatre Festival.
Sibiu is one of the best cities in Romania for those who want to immerse themselves in rich culture and history while enjoying modern conveniences and a high quality of life.
Oradea – The Art Nouveau Jewel of Romania
Oradea, located near the Hungarian border, is a city that combines Hungarian and Romanian cultural influences, creating a truly unique living experience. With its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to Western Europe, Oradea is becoming an increasingly popular choice for expats and locals alike.
Oradea offers an affordable cost of living, with reasonable prices for housing, food, and transportation. It is one of the best cities in Romania to live for those on a budget.
The city has a growing economy with opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and retail. Oradea also benefits from its proximity to Hungary, making it a strategic hub for business.
With its charming architecture and increasing number of opportunities, Oradea is one of the best cities in Romania for those looking to live in a culturally rich and developing city.
Ploiești – A Thriving City with Strong Industry
Located just north of Bucharest, Ploiești is a city with a strong industrial background, combined with modern living facilities and ample green spaces. This makes Ploiești one of the best cities in Romania to live for individuals seeking a balance of urban life and nature. Ploiești offers affordable housing, dining, and transportation, making it one of the most budget-friendly cities near the capital.
Ploiești is a major industrial center, particularly for oil and gas, with job opportunities in energy, manufacturing, and logistics. The city’s proximity to Bucharest also makes it an ideal location for professionals working in the capital but preferring a quieter environment. Ploiești is known for its parks and green spaces, perfect for residents who want to live close to nature. The city also has a variety of cultural events, such as music festivals, and museums.
Craiova – A University City with Rich History
Craiova, one of Romania’s oldest cities, offers a dynamic mix of historical significance, educational opportunities, and vibrant city life. As the administrative and cultural center of Oltenia, Craiova is a hub of economic activity and offers many reasons to call it home. Craiova is an affordable city to live in, with low housing costs, inexpensive transportation, and budget-friendly dining options.
The city has a diverse economy, with opportunities in industries like automotive, agriculture, and services. Craiova is home to several multinational companies, and its economy is growing steadily.
Known for its historical architecture, parks, and lively student scene, Craiova is a city that offers a lot of cultural experiences. The city’s large university population contributes to a youthful, vibrant atmosphere, and the city is home to numerous cultural institutions, including theaters, museums, and art galleries.
With a rich historical background and an energetic student atmosphere, Craiova is one of the best cities in Romania for those seeking a blend of education, culture, and job opportunities.
Best Cities in Romania for International Students
When it comes to choosing the best city in Romania for international students, several cities stand out due to their universities, student populations, and affordable living costs.
In the section below, we have discussed about the best cities in Romania for international students. these mentioned cities hold the top academic quality and they provide a vibrant atmosphere for students to live and study in Romania:
- Cluj-Napoca: A top city for students with world-class universities and a lively student community.
- Bucharest: Home to Romania’s largest universities, it offers a dynamic environment for international students.
- Iași: Known for its academic history and low living costs, making it ideal for students.
These cities provide great educational opportunities, with a mix of cultural, social, and professional activities for students. for expats and families, Timișoara and Brașov are particularly appealing. They offer a balanced lifestyle, access to quality healthcare, a lower cost of living, and strong local communities. Bucharest, while more expensive, also offers high-end amenities and job opportunities.
Key Factors for Choosing the Best City in Romania to live
When considering the best city in Romania to call home, several key factors come into play. From the cost of living to employment opportunities, quality of life, healthcare, and education, each city offers its unique blend of advantages and challenges.
Major urban centers like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca boast robust job markets and vibrant lifestyles, while smaller cities like Iași and Brașov provide a more affordable and picturesque living environment. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision tailored to your personal and professional aspirations in Romania:
- Cost of Living: Major cities like Bucharest are more expensive, but places like Iași and Brașov are more affordable.
- Employment Opportunities: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara are great for job seekers in IT, business, and tech.
- Quality of Life: Cities like Brașov and Sibiu offer a high quality of life with stunning natural landscapes, while Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest are more urbanized.
- Healthcare and Education: Larger cities offer better healthcare services and educational institutions.
- Transportation: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara have excellent public transport options, while smaller cities may rely more on personal vehicles.
Discover the Best Cities in Romania for 2025
In this article we have discussed the best cities in Romania to live in 2025. Romania offers a variety of living experiences, from the vibrant energy of Bucharest to the scenic charm of Brașov and the student-friendly atmosphere of Cluj-Napoca. Whether you’re an expat, student, or family, Romania presents affordable living, growing job markets, and a rich cultural history, making it a popular choice for those seeking a new home in 2025.
