Cost of Living in Romania

Monthly Cost of Living in Romania for Students: Full Breakdown

The total monthly cost of living in Romania for a student — excluding tuition — ranges from EUR 400 to EUR 800 (₹44,428 to ₹88,856). This covers accommodation, food, transport, utilities, health insurance and personal expenses. The table below reflects national average figures from Numbeo (April 2026).

Conversion Note: All INR figures are based on 1 EUR = ₹111.07 (ECB mid-market rate, 30 April 2026).

University dormitories are the biggest cost-saver in Romania. Most public universities offer dorm rooms at RON 150–400 per month (approximately EUR 30–80 / ₹3,332–8,886). Availability is limited and priority is often given to scholarship holders — apply as early as possible through your university's accommodation office.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Europe for Indian Students 2025

City-Wise Cost of Living in Romania: Bucharest vs Cluj-Napoca vs Iasi

The city you study in has a bigger impact on your monthly budget than any other single factor in Romania. Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca are the most expensive cities. Iasi, Timisoara and Craiova are significantly more affordable — and all host major universities with English-taught programs.

The table below uses Numbeo April 2026 data, converted to EUR and INR for direct comparison.

Source: Numbeo Romania city data, April 2026. RON converted to EUR at 1 EUR = 4.97 RON (approximate).

Iasi is home to Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy — one of the most popular choices for Indian MBBS students — and offers the lowest cost of living among major Romanian university cities. For Indian students on a tight budget, Iasi is the most practical choice.

Accommodation Costs in Romania for Indian Students: Dorm vs Private Flat

Accommodation is the single largest monthly expense for students in Romania — and the choice between a university dorm and a private flat can make a difference of EUR 200–400 per month.

University dormitories in Romania are heavily subsidised. Most public universities charge between RON 150–400 per month (EUR 30–80 / ₹3,332–8,886) for a dorm room. These are shared rooms, typically with 2–3 students per room, with shared bathrooms and a common kitchen. Dorm availability for international students varies by university — some universities guarantee dorm placement for the first year, others do not.

Student insight: On Reddit's r/medicalschoolEU, students have noted that university dorms in Romania are available for international students at approximately RON 750 per month at some universities — roughly EUR 150 / ₹16,661. Quality varies significantly between universities and cities. Always confirm dorm availability directly with your university's international student office before finalising your budget.

Also Read: Romania Student Visa for Indian Students: Requirements and Process

Food Costs in Romania for Indian Students: Groceries and Eating Out

Food is one of the most manageable expenses in Romania — especially if you cook at home. Grocery prices in Romania are among the lowest in the EU. A student who cooks most meals can keep food costs to EUR 100–150 per month (₹11,107–16,661).

The table below shows key grocery prices from Numbeo's Romania national average (April 2026), converted to EUR and INR.

Note for Indian students: Indian grocery items like lentils, rice, and spices are available at Asian grocery stores in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Iasi — but at a premium compared to local supermarkets. Budget an additional EUR 20–30 per month if you plan to cook Indian food regularly. Lidl, Kaufland and Penny are the most budget-friendly supermarket chains across Romania.

Transport, Utilities and Internet Costs in Romania for Students

Romania has one of the cheapest public transport and internet costs in the EU — both are significant savings compared to Western Europe. A monthly public transport pass in most Romanian cities costs between EUR 20–36 (₹2,221–3,999), and broadband internet runs at just EUR 8–14 per month (₹888–1,555).

Romania has some of the fastest and cheapest internet in Europe. Students living in private flats typically share the internet bill, bringing the per-person cost to under EUR 5 per month. Utilities are higher in winter months (November to March) due to heating costs — budget for the upper end of the range during these months.

Bucharest has a metro system that is fast and affordable. Cluj-Napoca and Iasi rely on buses and trams. Most university campuses are well-connected by public transport, and many students walk or cycle to class.

Romania Cost of Living vs Other EU Study Destinations: How It Compares for Indian Students

Romania is one of the most affordable EU countries for Indian students — cheaper than Germany, France, the Netherlands and even Poland in most cost categories. The table below compares monthly student living costs across key EU study destinations.

Romania's cost advantage is most visible in rent and food. A private room in Bucharest costs roughly half what a comparable room costs in Berlin or Amsterdam. The trade-off is that Romania's degree recognition outside the EU is more limited than Germany's or the Netherlands' — and post-study work rights are less developed.

Also Read: Best European Countries for Indian Students in 2026

Annual and Total Study Cost in Romania for Indian Students: Full Budget Estimate

Beyond monthly living costs, Indian students must budget for one-time setup costs, annual tuition, visa fees and health insurance. The table below gives a complete annual cost estimate for an Indian student studying MBBS in Romania — the most common program chosen by Indian students.

Conversion Note: 1 EUR = ₹111.07 (ECB, 30 April 2026). Tuition fee range reflects different universities — Carol Davila and Iuliu Hatieganu charge EUR 10,000/year; Grigore T. Popa charges EUR 6,000–8,000/year.

Over a 6-year MBBS program, the total cost (tuition + living) ranges from approximately ₹65 lakh to ₹1.30 crore, depending on the university and city chosen. Students at Iasi on a dorm budget represent the lower end; students at Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca in private flats represent the upper end.

Check out: Romania Government Scholarship 2026 

Money-Saving Tips for Indian Students Living in Romania

The gap between a EUR 400/month budget and a EUR 800/month budget in Romania comes down almost entirely to accommodation choice and eating habits. These are the most practical ways Indian students can reduce their monthly costs without compromising on quality of life.