Cost Of Living in Cluj-Napoca 2024

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Cluj-Napoca

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Cluj-Napoca

Whether you're living in Cluj-Napoca or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: RON
770 10,000 100,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $2,200 $22,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: RON
980 6,900 46,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $1,500 $10,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: RON
3,800 12,000 61,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$840 $2,500 $13,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: RON
5,400 15,000 100,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $3,400 $22,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: RON
770 5,000 33,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $1,100 $7,300
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Cluj-Napoca is 6,900 RON. Expenses can range from 980 RON at the minimum level to 46,000 RON at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Cluj-Napoca is 12,000 RON. Expenditure can range from 3,800 RON to 61,000 RON per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Cluj-Napoca is 15,000 RON per month. Families spend anywhere from 5,400 RON to 100,000 RON.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Cluj-Napoca is 5,000 RON. Students spend from 770 RON to 33,000 RON per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Cluj-Napoca


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Cluj-Napoca

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

10 RON 21 RON 35 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $4.6 $7.6

Restaurant meal for one

35 RON 53 RON 110 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.6 $11 $23

Fine dining meal for one

70 RON 110 RON 420 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $92

Cappuccino or latte

8.7 RON 14 RON 21 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $3 $4.6

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

7 RON 8.4 RON 10 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.8 $2.3

12 eggs

5.2 RON 7 RON 10 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.3

Fresh whole chicken

12 RON 15 RON 22 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.4 $4.7

Pack of beef

14 RON 21 RON 42 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $4.6 $9.1

Medium bag of rice

5.6 RON 7.7 RON 11 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.7 $2.4

Bag of tomatos

2.1 RON 2.8 RON 5.2 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.46 $0.61 $1.1

Bag of apples

3.7 RON 4.9 RON 8 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $1.1 $1.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Cluj-Napoca

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

8.8 RON 11 RON 21 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.3 $4.6

Average car full tank

52 RON 70 RON 140 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $30

Average car 1-day rental

53 RON 70 RON 110 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $15 $23

Average car price

26,000 RON 52,000 RON 70,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5,700 $11,000 $15,000

Bus ticket one way

1.8 RON 2.6 RON 5.3 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.38 $0.58 $1.2

Car Service

70 RON 110 RON 210 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $46
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Cluj-Napoca

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

59 RON 420 RON 2,800 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $91 $600

Utility Bill - Couple

150 RON 520 RON 3,400 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34 $110 $740

Utility Bill - Family

270 RON 770 RON 5,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $170 $1,100

Internet and cable

52 RON 100 RON 140 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $23 $30

Mobile phone charges

42 RON 70 RON 210 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.1 $15 $46

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

26 RON 35 RON 52 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $7.6 $11

One month gym membership

84 RON 110 RON 210 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $23 $46
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Cluj-Napoca

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

62 RON 88 RON 130 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $19 $29

Woman dress

59 RON 81 RON 260 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $18 $58

Woman shoes

56 RON 75 RON 180 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $38

Men's shoes

48 RON 59 RON 120 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $13 $26

Men suit

53 RON 66 RON 350 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $14 $77

Regular t-shirt

26 RON 35 RON 110 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $7.7 $23
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Cluj-Napoca

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

880 RON 1,300 RON 3,500 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $290 $770

1-bedroom apartment

1,300 RON 2,100 RON 5,300 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $460 $1,200

2-bedroom apartment

1,800 RON 2,600 RON 7,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $580 $1,500

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

180,000 RON 260,000 RON 530,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38,000 $58,000 $120,000

1-bedroom apartment

210,000 RON 350,000 RON 1.3M RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46,000 $77,000 $290,000

2-bedroom apartment

350,000 RON 1.1M RON 2.1M RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77,000 $230,000 $460,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Cluj-Napoca

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

1,000 RON 1,300 RON 1,700 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $280 $380

Double Bed

700 RON 1,000 RON 1,300 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $280

Single Bed

610 RON 800 RON 1,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $180 $230

Living Room

1,200 RON 1,500 RON 5,200 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $330 $1,100

Dining Table

520 RON 700 RON 1,300 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $150 $280

Sofa or Couch

700 RON 950 RON 2,100 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $210 $460
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Cluj-Napoca

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

700 RON 1,000 RON 2,100 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $460

Fridge or Freezer

610 RON 950 RON 1,300 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $210 $280

Washing Machine

800 RON 1,200 RON 2,100 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $250 $460

Stove or Cooker

750 RON 950 RON 1,300 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $210 $280

Mobile Phone

870 RON 1,000 RON 1,500 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $230 $330

Laptop or Computer

950 RON 1,200 RON 2,100 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $250 $460

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Cluj-Napoca

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Cluj-Napoca

Spending to Income Ratio

83%

75% to 94%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%18%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Cluj-Napoca is 83% This means that on average, people spend around 83% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
84%

Couple
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
72%
89%

Family
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
79%
98%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Cluj-Napoca

How do people spend their money in Cluj-Napoca?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure25%

25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)

LOW$50   230 RON
AVERAGE$650   3,000 RON
HIGH$6,500   30,000 RON
Per Month

People living in Cluj-Napoca typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 3,000 RON with expenditure ranging from 230 RON to 30,000 RON. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$8.4   38 RON
AVERAGE$110   500 RON
HIGH$1,100   5,000 RON
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Cluj-Napoca ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 500 RON with 38 RON and 5,000 RON being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$17   77 RON
AVERAGE$220   1,000 RON
HIGH$2,200   10,000 RON
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 77 RON to 10,000 RON on commuting with 1,000 RON being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$42   190 RON
AVERAGE$550   2,500 RON
HIGH$5,500   25,000 RON
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Cluj-Napoca is 2,500 RON. The cost of groceries can range between 190 RON to 25,000 RON. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$12   54 RON
AVERAGE$150   700 RON
HIGH$1,500   7,000 RON
Per Month

People in Cluj-Napoca allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 54 RON to 7,000 RON with 700 RON being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$6.7   31 RON
AVERAGE$87   400 RON
HIGH$870   4,000 RON
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 31 RON to 4,000 RON with 400 RON being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$10   46 RON
AVERAGE$130   600 RON
HIGH$1,300   6,000 RON
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 600 RON per month with 46 RON being the minimum spent amount and 6,000 RON being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$22   100 RON
AVERAGE$280   1,300 RON
HIGH$2,800   13,000 RON
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Cluj-Napoca

How much money can you save in Cluj-Napoca every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Cluj-Napoca manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
60%
Not Saving
40%

Almost 60% of the surveyed people in Cluj-Napoca said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 40% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Cluj-Napoca

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles69%31%
Couples64%36%
Families59%41%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Cluj-Napoca

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

290 RON
$63
3,700 RON
$810
37,000 RON
$8,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 3,700 RON on average with savings ranging from 290 RON to 37,000 RON.

69% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 64% of couples said the same. 59% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Cluj-Napoca?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

290 RON
$63
2,600 RON
$560
17,000 RON
$3,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%15%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 2,600 RON with 290 RON and 17,000 RON being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,400 RON
$310
4,300 RON
$940
23,000 RON
$5,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 4,300 RON with 1,400 RON and 23,000 RON being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,000 RON
$440
5,700 RON
$1,300
37,000 RON
$8,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Cluj-Napoca can save anywhere between 11% to 29% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 5,700 RON with 2,000 RON and 37,000 RON being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Cluj-Napoca

Saving Challenges in Cluj-Napoca

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Cluj-Napoca. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans16%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Cluj-Napoca

Typical saving choices for people in Cluj-Napoca

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings18%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Cluj-Napoca

Affordable living in Cluj-Napoca

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Cluj-Napoca?


Yes
67%
No
33%

Around 67% of surveyed residents think that living in Cluj-Napoca is affordable with proper budgeting while 33% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Cluj-Napoca

Low-cost alternatives in Cluj-Napoca

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options57%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Cluj-Napoca have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Cluj-Napoca whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes62%

No38%


Based on the survey, 38% of the people living in Cluj-Napoca said that they don't have an emergency fund while 62% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Cluj-Napoca

Financial Literacy in Romania

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy62%


We asked residents of Romania whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 38% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 62% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Romania have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 41% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 59% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance41%

Easily manages finances59%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Cluj-Napoca

Financial goals of people in Cluj-Napoca

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Cluj-Napoca, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction37%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses11%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 37% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Cluj-Napoca

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Cluj-Napoca and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Romania is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Cluj-Napoca:
AgeAmount
2527,000 RON
3055,000 RON
3596,000 RON
40140,000 RON
45210,000 RON
50290,000 RON
55340,000 RON
60430,000 RON
65510,000 RON

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Cluj-Napoca about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job12%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Cluj-Napoca

560 RON
$120
5,000 RON
$1,100
33,000 RON
$7,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Cluj-Napoca

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Cluj-Napoca


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
31%
Debt Free
69%

According to the survey, 31% of the people in Cluj-Napoca have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Cluj-Napoca

Debt-to-income ratio in Cluj-Napoca

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 38%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Cluj-Napoca goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%15%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%13%
10% - 20%15%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Cluj-Napoca pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 15% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Cluj-Napoca

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage11%
Auto Loan19%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card27%
Personal Loan40%

11% of debtors in Cluj-Napoca confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 19% of people and personal loans rose at 40%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Cluj-Napoca.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Cluj-Napoca

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Cluj-Napoca how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never53%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Cluj-Napoca

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Cluj-Napoca

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Cluj-Napoca

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

880 RON 1,300 RON 3,500 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $290 $770

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,300 RON 2,100 RON 5,300 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $460 $1,200

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,800 RON 2,600 RON 7,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $580 $1,500

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,100 RON 3,500 RON 9,600 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460 $770 $2,100

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

4,200 RON 11,000 RON 21,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$920 $2,300 $4,600

Townhouse monthly rent cost

3,500 RON 5,300 RON 15,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$770 $1,200 $3,300

House monthly rent cost

4,200 RON 11,000 RON 21,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$920 $2,300 $4,600

Villa monthly rent cost

5,300 RON 13,000 RON 21,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $2,900 $4,600

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Cluj-Napoca ranges between 880 RON and 3,500 RON, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,300 RON to 5,300 RON. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,800 RON and 7,000 RON per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 2,100 RON to 9,600 RON. The average rent of a townhouse in Cluj-Napoca is around 5,300 RON while house rental costs can be as high as 11,000 RON per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 5,300 RON to 21,000 RON per month.



Apartment and house prices in Cluj-Napoca

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

180,000 RON 260,000 RON 530,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38,000 $58,000 $120,000

1-bedroom apartment price

210,000 RON 350,000 RON 1.3M RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46,000 $77,000 $290,000

2-bedroom apartment price

350,000 RON 1.1M RON 2.1M RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77,000 $230,000 $460,000

3-bedroom apartment price

1.2M RON 1.8M RON 5.3M RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260,000 $380,000 $1.2M

Townhouse price

1.5M RON 3.5M RON 13M RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330,000 $770,000 $2.9M

House price

1.8M RON 11M RON 15M RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380,000 $2.3M $3.3M

Villa price

2.1M RON 12M RON 18M RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460,000 $2.6M $3.8M

The average price of a studio apartment in Cluj-Napoca can range from 180,000 RON to 530,000 RON depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 210,000 RON to 1.3M RON. A villa can cost you 12M RON on average with prices ranging from 2.1M RON to 18M RON.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Cluj-Napoca will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


40 x119 monthly income 212
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Cluj-Napoca can be x119 to x212 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x119 multiples of the average monthly salary in Cluj-Napoca.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Cluj-Napoca is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
30%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


15 RON 200 RON 2,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Cluj-Napoca

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Cluj-Napoca

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

59 RON 420 RON 2,800 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $91 $600

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

150 RON 520 RON 3,400 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34 $110 $740

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

270 RON 770 RON 5,000 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $170 $1,100

Internet and cable cost

52 RON 100 RON 140 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $23 $30

Mobile phone bill and charges

42 RON 70 RON 210 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.1 $15 $46

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Cluj-Napoca ranges between 59 RON and 2,800 RON with average being 420 RON, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 520 RON with 150 RON and 3,400 RON being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 770 RON. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 52 RON to 140 RON with 100 RON being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 70 RON but can range between 42 RON and 210 RON depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2% 5% of income 9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Cluj-Napoca is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Cluj-Napoca

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Cluj-Napoca

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

10 RON 21 RON 35 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $4.6 $7.6

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Cluj-Napoca is approximatly 21 RON with meal cost ranging from 10 RON to 35 RON. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

35 RON 53 RON 110 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.6 $11 $23

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 35 RON and 110 RON with 53 RON being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Cluj-Napoca.

Fine dining meal for one price

70 RON 110 RON 420 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $92

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 70 RON to 420 RON with the average cost being 110 RON for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Cluj-Napoca.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

8.7 RON 14 RON 21 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $3 $4.6

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Cluj-Napoca is around 14 RON. Price ranges between 8.7 RON and 21 RON depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

7 RON 8.4 RON 10 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.8 $2.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Cluj-Napoca is 8.4 RON. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 10 RON and the minimum being 7 RON depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

5.2 RON 7 RON 10 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.3

A dozen eggs costs around 7 RON on average with 5.2 RON and 10 RON being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

12 RON 15 RON 22 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.4 $4.7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Cluj-Napoca is between 12 RON and 22 RON depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 15 RON.

Pack of beef price

14 RON 21 RON 42 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $4.6 $9.1

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 21 RON. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

5.6 RON 7.7 RON 11 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.7 $2.4

A bag of rice in Cluj-Napoca costs around 7.7 RON on average with prices rangeing between 5.6 RON and 11 RON depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

2.1 RON 2.8 RON 5.2 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.46 $0.61 $1.1

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 2.1 RON to 5.2 RON. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

3.7 RON 4.9 RON 8 RON
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $1.1 $1.8

A bag of apples costs 4.9 RON on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 26% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Cluj-Napoca is around 26%. This means that people spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 1,100 RON per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 160 RON and 7,400 RON depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 1,600 RON per month. That number can be get as low as 540 RON or a high as 8,600 RON. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 970 RON to 18,000 RON with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Cluj-Napoca

Housing cost for a single person31%

31% of total expenses on average (19% to 43%)

LOW$77   350 RON
AVERAGE$540   2,500 RON
HIGH$3,600   17,000 RON
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$13   59 RON
AVERAGE$91   420 RON
HIGH$600   2,800 RON
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$17   78 RON
AVERAGE$120   550 RON
HIGH$810   3,700 RON
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$34   160 RON
AVERAGE$240   1,100 RON
HIGH$1,600   7,400 RON
Per Month

Healthcare Cost11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$19   88 RON
AVERAGE$140   620 RON
HIGH$910   4,200 RON
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$11   49 RON
AVERAGE$75   350 RON
HIGH$500   2,300 RON
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$4.3   20 RON
AVERAGE$30   140 RON
HIGH$200   920 RON
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$38   180 RON
AVERAGE$270   1,200 RON
HIGH$1,800   8,300 RON
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Cluj-Napoca

Housing cost for a couple28%

28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)

LOW$290   1,300 RON
AVERAGE$860   3,900 RON
HIGH$4,600   21,000 RON
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$34   150 RON
AVERAGE$110   520 RON
HIGH$740   3,400 RON
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$100   460 RON
AVERAGE$300   1,400 RON
HIGH$1,600   7,400 RON
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$120   540 RON
AVERAGE$350   1,600 RON
HIGH$1,900   8,600 RON
Per Month

Healthcare Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$92   420 RON
AVERAGE$280   1,300 RON
HIGH$1,500   6,800 RON
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$50   230 RON
AVERAGE$150   690 RON
HIGH$810   3,700 RON
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$17   77 RON
AVERAGE$50   230 RON
HIGH$270   1,200 RON
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$140   650 RON
AVERAGE$430   2,000 RON
HIGH$2,300   10,000 RON
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Cluj-Napoca

Housing cost for a family27%

27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)

LOW$380   1,700 RON
AVERAGE$1,100   4,900 RON
HIGH$7,000   32,000 RON
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$59   270 RON
AVERAGE$170   770 RON
HIGH$1,100   5,000 RON
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$120   540 RON
AVERAGE$340   1,500 RON
HIGH$2,200   10,000 RON
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$210   970 RON
AVERAGE$600   2,800 RON
HIGH$3,900   18,000 RON
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$110   480 RON
AVERAGE$340   1,500 RON
HIGH$1,700   8,000 RON
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$59   270 RON
AVERAGE$170   770 RON
HIGH$1,100   5,000 RON
Per Month

Education Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$160   750 RON
AVERAGE$470   2,200 RON
HIGH$3,100   14,000 RON
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$94   430 RON
AVERAGE$270   1,200 RON
HIGH$1,700   8,000 RON
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Cluj-Napoca

Housing costs for Student19%

19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$40   180 RON
AVERAGE$260   1,200 RON
HIGH$1,800   8,000 RON
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$6.7   31 RON
AVERAGE$44   200 RON
HIGH$290   1,300 RON
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$12   54 RON
AVERAGE$77   350 RON
HIGH$510   2,300 RON
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$34   150 RON
AVERAGE$220   1,000 RON
HIGH$1,500   6,700 RON
Per Month

Healthcare Cost8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$10   46 RON
AVERAGE$66   300 RON
HIGH$440   2,000 RON
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$8.4   38 RON
AVERAGE$55   250 RON
HIGH$360   1,700 RON
Per Month

Education Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$32   150 RON
AVERAGE$210   950 RON
HIGH$1,400   6,400 RON
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$25   120 RON
AVERAGE$160   750 RON
HIGH$1,100   5,000 RON
Per Month
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