“I lived in six different countries, but this is where I belong.” Life in Romania: pros and cons, salaries and prices

How much money do you need to live in Romania? How is the infrastructure there, including for children? How much does it cost to rent an apartment and buy groceries there? Lili shared her personal experience with us.  

“I grew up thinking that I would leave Riga.”

— My name is Lili, and I am 30 years old. I was born and raised in Riga, Latvia. After graduating from high school, I left and moved several times to different countries.

For the last two years, I have been living alone with my three children in Romania. In my free time from motherhood, I do tattoos, paint pictures, and run half-marathons.

— This is the seventh country I've lived in. Before Romania, it was Latvia, England, Wales, Russia (Saint Petersburg), Ireland, and Belgium.

But before I tell you about moving to Romania, I want to start with a little backstory: as a child, I grew up with the idea that I would leave Riga; I never felt that it was my home, and I was sure I would find “my place” someday. But as time went on, one move followed another, and the idea that I would find “my home” began to seem distant, as if it simply couldn't happen.

In July 2020, I traveled to Romania for the first time, planning at least six cities per trip. Brasov (the Transylvania region) was fourth on that list. And as soon as I got there, I felt like this was it—the place I was looking for.

Three weeks after my vacation ended, I moved from Belgium to Romania.

About legalization

— I have Latvian citizenship, and it is usually easier to legalize with an EU passport. But it took me some time to settle there, too.

To officially settle in Romania, you need a reason. For example, marriage, work or study. This is the basis for collecting the necessary documents. 

I tried to get a job. But in many places, I was refused because of a lack of documents. In fact, it is the employer who has to give me a certificate that I am working and can make my registration. 

In addition to the contract from work, you need to fill out a couple of questionnaires and bring copies of your passport and birth certificate. All in all, nothing is complicated except finding a job.

As for languages, I know people who live here who speak only English. But I moved here with basic Romanian (I started learning it a year before I planned to move), and I speak it 90% of the time.

“Any view is better when there are mountains.”

About the pros and cons of life 

— I have not encountered any problems, except for bureaucracy, when, for some simple things, you have to collect a million papers. But mostly, I have a good experience of life in Romania.

I like many things here: 

• The mountains. What surrounds me is very important to me. And any view is better when there are mountains.
• There is lots of interesting movement: music festivals and even a medieval festival, various marathons, museums, and parks. Somehow, everywhere is bustling with life.
• Prices. It so happened that I stayed alone, and it quickly became clear that it's hard to live alone everywhere, but here, it's cheaper, at least. 
• I like the people; they are very hospitable, friendly, and joyful. I have not met so many people who are so cheerful. Romanians like to organize holidays and spend time with friends and families. 
• Children feel great here too. I think there is plenty of choice as to where to go with them or what classes to sign up for.
• Food. Romanians love to eat good food.

What I like about Brasov in particular is that it seems like every second person here has been skiing at least once in their life. Even in some kindergartens, you can donate money for a trip to a neighboring town where children are taught to ski. There are also mountain biking classes. I am very attracted by the fact that people here have been involved in sports since childhood.

“You can rent a one-bedroom apartment starting at €300."

About prices and salaries

— In general, prices in Romania are lower than in other countries I've been to. A bus now costs €0.80; a cab ride costs €2–3. But we have a small city too; prices are higher in Bucharest. Clothes seem to be a little cheaper than they are in the West if you compare stores like Zara, H&M, and Bershka.

For groceries in general, the prices are also lower. Something costs the same as in Belgium; something is 2-3 times cheaper. For our family of 4, we spend about €300. 

If we talk about general expenses, we get about €1000–1200 a month. The minimum wage in the country is about €800–900. Of course, it would be enough for one person. However, everyone spends differently.

On the whole, I am happy with the standard of living—something between the West and Eastern Europe. 

About real estate

This year rental prices have risen: now you can rent a one-bedroom apartment starting at €300, in new buildings from €350. But I'm still paying rent under the old contract—€270 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. The neighborhood is good; there is everything you need nearby. 

I can't say anything about buying real estate except that Brasov is developing quite quickly; they are building a lot of new houses. As for the cost, from what I have seen in advertisements, for €90.000 you can buy a two-bedroom in a new building and three bedrooms—in the range of €100.000–€110.000. 

The neighboring town, 20 minutes away, is considered the most popular ski resort in Romania, so the prices there will be 2-3 times higher.

“I came to Romania for a quiet life with my children.”

About infrastructure and favorite places

— Brasov has very convenient public transportation; it's easy to get somewhere. Electric scooters are also available, but there are no bicycle lanes. They promise to make one for us, but it's not clear how long we'll have to wait. 

Parks are great everywhere; I especially like the ones in Bucharest. There are fountains and enough greenery; the trees are tall, and it's a couple of degrees cooler.

I also noticed that there are a lot of playgrounds. You can always find somewhere to walk with children.

I love hiking in the mountains; that's why I stayed in Brasov. I have always wanted to do sports, like go snowboarding. There are excellent opportunities for that here.

I also like Vama Veche, a beach 1 km from the Bulgarian border. Once, it was a wild beach for hippies, where they came with tents and stayed on the shore. Now they have already built stores, cafés, campsites, and hotels. But still, it is such a youthful, hippie place. I like it because of the rock music, the opportunity to meet interesting people and street musicians, and to live in a campground. We were just there with the kids, had a vacation, and slept in tents. Next year, I would like to go for a couple of weeks, as it takes 8 hours to get there from Brasov.

— Romania is suitable for anyone who wants to be surrounded by beautiful nature. Those who like to have all four seasons.

People do not come here for high wages in regular jobs, so there should be a plan on how to earn enough to live. You can't count on government benefits.

I came to Romania for a quiet life with my children. To be closer to nature, the warm sea, mountains, and just to enjoy life.