116,000
#49.3 km²
Mureș
Mureș
Târgu Mureș is a compact, welcoming university city in central Transylvania with a distinct bilingual (Romanian–Hungarian) character and a strong medical-and-arts academic profile. International students are drawn by English- and Hungarian-taught medical programs, an accessible cost of living, and a high concentration of hospitals, theatres, and cultural venues within walking distance of the city center.
The flagship George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology (UMFST) anchors the local knowledge economy, complemented by Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania (Târgu Mureș campus), the University of Arts and “Dimitrie Cantemir” University. As a mid-sized hub, Târgu Mureș offers the feel of a safe, green student town while connecting efficiently by rail, road and via Transilvania Târgu Mureș Airport (TGM).
According to Romania’s official 2021 census definitive results, the municipality counted ~116,000 residents, a size that keeps commutes short and student life close-knit. Târgu Mureș (RO: Târgu Mureș; HU: Marosvásárhely) sits in Mureș County, on the Mureș River, central-north Romania, roughly midway between Cluj-Napoca and Brașov in the heart of Transylvania. It is the county seat and the second-largest urban center in the Central Region after Brașov.
The resident population per the RPL 2021 definitive tables is ~116k; the city is notably multicultural with Romanian and Hungarian communities and a steady inflow of international students via UMFST and partner universities. Elevation is moderate (the plateau of Transylvania), with a warm-summer continental climate: cold winters, mild springs and autumns, and pleasantly warm summers.
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Population | 116,000 |
Area | 49.3 km² |
County | Mureș |
Region | Mureș |
Timezone | EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3) summer |
Climate | Warm-summer continental |
Average Temperature | Summer highs ~24–28°C; winter often below 0°C |
Monuments | Targu Mures City Hall, Cathedral Of Annunciation, Imo Stairs, Ascension of the Lord Cathedral |
Târgu Mureș punches above its weight in higher education. UMFST “George Emil Palade” is one of Romania’s best-known medical universities, now integrated with science & technology programs after the 2018 government-approved merger. The city also hosts Sapientia (Hungarian-language HEI, Târgu Mureș campus), the University of Arts (public, theatre/music; bilingual RO/HU) and “Dimitrie Cantemir” University (private).
Subject | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | €220–500 – Private rental estimates by area; dorms cheaper |
Food & Groceries | €170–230 – Cooking at home; canteen options on/near campus |
Transportation | €12–25 Local monthly |
Utilities | €60–100 – Heat/water/electricity/internet |
Entertainment | €50–120 – Cinemas, cafés, theatre/filarmonică student prices. |
Healthcare | €10–30 – Basic medicines; insurance separately |
Total Monthly | €520–1,000 – Conservative range depending on housing choice |
Transportation | Status |
|---|---|
Metro (Metrorex) | No |
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB) | Yes |
Taxi/Ride_hailing | Yes |
Options | Cost |
|---|---|
University Dorms | ~€45–85 (per bed) – Shared rooms; utilities included; |
Private Student Dorms | Dorms €150–250 – Modern facilities, gyms/study rooms |
Shared Apartments | €150–250 (per person) – 2–4 students; furnished; near bus lines |
Studios | €250–450 – Independent living; central areas cost more |
Host Families | €300–450 |
Cinemas, cafés, and student pubs clustered around the center and campus corridors; philharmonic/theatre seasons run Oct–June.
Nightlife clusters in/near Centru; café culture is strong; growing international food scene along key boulevards.
Spring (Mar–May):
Summer (Jun–Aug):
Autumn (Sep–Nov):
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Transylvanian cuisine shines in Târgu Mureș, blending Romanian and Hungarian influences—think gulyás, pörkölt, ciorbă, and hearty oven dishes—plus emerging international eateries around campus and the center. Cafés and bakeries line student routes, with affordable daily menus.
Local Restaurants
Local Signals: County employment bulletins (AJOFM Mureș) summarize vacancies, programs and training—useful for internships and entry roles.
Quick breakfast, walk or short bus to UMFST; 8:00 lectures/labs. Bus lines connecting center–campus–hospitals run frequently; monthly pass is student discounted.
Lunch at a campus canteen or café; study at the library; hospital rotations or studio rehearsals (UAT).
Dinner at home or in the center; performances at the National Theater or concerts at the Philharmonic; tea/coffee with classmates.
Explore the Medieval Fortress, attend festivals, or make day trips to Sovata (lake resort) and surrounding villages.
