Moving to Bucharest

Situated on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, Bucharest is Romania’s cultural, administrative and economic capital. Home to over 1.7 million people, it’s also Romania’s largest city and is home to most of the country’s expat population.

Living in Bucharest as an expat

The city’s unique architectural styles and cultural atmosphere have earned it the nickname Micul Paris, or ‘Little Paris’. Ornate churches overlook trendy cafés, and you can spend your leisure time in leafy parks or the pubs, clubs and discos in Old Town, adding to an enjoyable lifestyle in the city.

The metropolis is reinventing itself. Communist-era apartment blocks are being modernised alongside elegant neoclassical buildings. The city is making its mark as an Eastern European industrial centre.

As the driving force behind the Romanian economy, the capital is responsible for around a quarter of the country’s GDP and industrial output. Expats working in Bucharest tend to find employment in IT, communications, finance, engineering and construction.

Expats generally find accommodation in Bucharest in the form of apartments, many of which are in old Soviet-style buildings, while housing beyond the city limits varies. Whether an expat chooses to live in the city centre or in the suburbs, public transport in Bucharest covers the city well and includes a metro system, buses, trams, trolleybuses and a light rail. The city also has a private minibus taxi system.

Accommodation in Bucharest 
Best Places to Live in Bucharest 
Public Transport in Bucharest 

Cost of living in Bucharest

The cost of living in Bucharest is lower than in most major Western cities. It compares favourably to cities in neighbouring Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. An expat’s most significant expense will most likely be accommodation, while expats will be able to save on transport and local goods, as they are typically inexpensive in Bucharest.

Finding a Job and Working in Bucharest 
Cost of Living in Bucharest
Attractions in Bucharest
Lifestyle in Bucharest 

Expat families and children

Expats with children will have to consider their school options carefully. Although there are international schools in Bucharest, with 24 options available, families should research carefully to find the best fit. That said, although fees at these schools are high and Bucharest ranks among Europe’s more expensive cities for international education, they still offer a good quality of education.

Alternatively, the city’s public schools are free to attend for all residents. The quality of education at these schools varies, but the language of instruction is Romanian. For many families, this makes them an impractical choice, leaving international schools as the only viable option.

One area that could use improvement is healthcare. Although Bucharest has adequate private medical facilities, the standard of healthcare in public hospitals will likely be below what expats are used to. Comprehensive health insurance that covers private treatment is essential.

Schools in Bucharest
International Schools in Bucharest
Healthcare in Bucharest

Climate in Bucharest

Bucharest has a continental climate, boasting long summers that are warm and sunny. Winters are cold and bring snow and frost to the city. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, are mild. Expats moving to Bucharest will experience the best of all four seasons in the city.

Weather and Climate in Bucharest 

With plenty of events and festivals and numerous attractions throughout the city, there is more than enough to keep you busy throughout the year. Those who make an effort to learn the local language and culture will find themselves being welcomed into one of the safest cities in Europe by the incredibly friendly locals.