Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Romania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Romania Property Pack
Romania's rental market in 2026 is shaped heavily by which city you're looking at, with Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca commanding the highest prices while secondary cities offer more affordable options.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest rent data and market conditions across Romania's major urban centers.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Romania.
Insights
- Cluj-Napoca rents in Romania now rival some Western European secondary cities, with studios reaching €400 per month in central areas, making it the country's most expensive rental market outside prime Bucharest neighborhoods.
- Romania's rental yields in 2026 remain attractive at around 5 to 7 percent gross in major cities, which is higher than most EU capitals where yields often fall below 4 percent.
- Energy efficiency has become a key rent differentiator in Romania, with well-insulated apartments commanding 10 to 15 percent premiums as tenants prioritize predictable winter heating costs.
- The vacancy rate in Bucharest sits around 3 to 5 percent for well-located units, meaning landlords with quality apartments in good neighborhoods rarely struggle to find tenants.
- Romania's 10 percent flat income tax on rental earnings is among the lowest in the EU, though landlords must also budget for potential health contributions if their total income crosses certain thresholds.
- Student-heavy cities like Iași and Cluj see rental demand spike by 30 to 40 percent between August and October, creating clear seasonal opportunities for landlords.
- Metro proximity in Bucharest adds roughly €50 to €100 per month to rental prices, making properties within walking distance of stations consistently faster to lease.
- Romania's rent growth of around 8 percent year-over-year in 2025 outpaced general inflation, driven by limited new supply and strong wage growth in tech and services sectors.
What are typical rents in Romania as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Romania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Romania's major cities is around €320 (approximately RON 1,600 or $335), though this figure varies significantly between cities.
The realistic range for studio rents in Romania spans from €250 to €450 per month (RON 1,250 to RON 2,250, or $260 to $470), with most listings falling somewhere in between depending on location and condition.
The main factors that push studio rents higher or lower in Romania include the city itself (Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest command premium prices), neighborhood desirability, proximity to metro stations or universities, building age, and whether the unit includes modern amenities like air conditioning.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Romania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (often called "2 rooms" locally) in Romania's urban areas is approximately €430 (around RON 2,150 or $450).
The realistic range for 1-bedroom rents in Romania runs from €330 to €650 per month (RON 1,650 to RON 3,250, or $345 to $680), with considerable variation based on city and specific location.
In Romania, neighborhoods like Titan or Drumul Taberei in Bucharest tend to offer the more affordable 1-bedroom options, while premium areas such as Floreasca, Primăverii, and Cluj's Centru command the highest rents for this apartment type.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Romania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment (often labeled "3 rooms" in Romanian listings) in urban Romania is around €590 (approximately RON 2,950 or $620).
The realistic range for 2-bedroom rents in Romania extends from €450 to €900 per month (RON 2,250 to RON 4,500, or $470 to $945), reflecting the wide gap between secondary cities and premium neighborhoods in Bucharest or Cluj.
More affordable 2-bedroom apartments in Romania can be found in neighborhoods like Militari or Berceni in Bucharest, or in cities like Constanța and Brașov, while the most expensive options cluster in Cluj's Centru and Andrei Mureșanu or Bucharest's Herăstrău and Dorobanți areas.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Romania.
What's the average rent per square meter in Romania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Romania's urban rental markets is approximately €8.50 per month (around RON 42.50 or $9 per square meter).
The realistic range across Romania's neighborhoods runs from €6 to €13 per square meter monthly (RON 30 to RON 65, or $6.30 to $13.65), with prime Bucharest and Cluj locations at the top and secondary cities closer to the lower end.
Compared to other major cities in the region, Romania's rent per square meter remains lower than Budapest or Prague but has been catching up, particularly in Cluj-Napoca which now rivals some Central European capitals in prime areas.
Properties in Romania that command above-average rent per square meter typically feature modern renovations, central heating with good insulation, air conditioning, dedicated parking, and locations within walking distance of metro stations or major employment centers.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Romania in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Romania's urban markets have increased by approximately 8 percent year-over-year, though some cities like Cluj have seen even steeper rises while others remained more moderate.
The main factors driving rent increases in Romania include strong wage growth in the tech and services sectors, limited supply of quality rental apartments, continued urbanization toward major cities, and general inflation that keeps nominal prices rising.
This year's rent growth in Romania is broadly consistent with 2024 and 2025 trends, though the pace has moderated slightly from peak periods when some cities saw double-digit annual increases.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Romania in 2026?
As of early 2026, we expect nominal rent growth in Romania's urban markets to settle in the 4 to 7 percent range for the full year, representing a slight cooling from the higher rates seen in 2024 and early 2025.
The key factors likely to influence Romania's rent trajectory include continued urban migration, wage growth in cities like Bucharest and Cluj, interest rate movements affecting homeownership affordability, and the pace of new residential construction coming to market.
Neighborhoods in Romania expected to see the strongest rent growth include Cluj's expanding Bună Ziua area, Bucharest's Timpuri Noi tech corridor, and transit-adjacent locations where new metro extensions improve accessibility.
The main risks that could push Romania's rent growth above or below projections include unexpected inflation spikes, changes to energy price caps affecting tenant affordability, economic slowdowns in key industries, or a surge in new housing supply that eases market tightness.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Romania. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Romania as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Romania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the highest-rent neighborhoods in Romania are Primăverii in Bucharest (averaging €1,200 to €1,800 per month or RON 6,000 to RON 9,000, around $1,260 to $1,890), Cluj-Napoca's Centru (€700 to €1,000 or RON 3,500 to RON 5,000, about $735 to $1,050), and Bucharest's Herăstrău area (€1,000 to €1,500 or RON 5,000 to RON 7,500, roughly $1,050 to $1,575).
These premium neighborhoods in Romania share common characteristics including proximity to parks and green spaces, excellent access to international schools, high-quality building stock, established expatriate communities, and easy connections to business districts.
The typical tenant profile in Romania's highest-rent neighborhoods includes corporate executives on relocation packages, diplomatic personnel, successful entrepreneurs, and high-earning tech professionals who prioritize quality and convenience over price.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Romania.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Romania right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Romania are Timpuri Noi in Bucharest (near major tech offices), Gheorgheni in Cluj-Napoca (good transit and amenities), and Centru in Timișoara (walkable and vibrant).
Young professionals in Romania typically pay between €400 and €650 per month (RON 2,000 to RON 3,250, or $420 to $680) for 1-bedroom apartments in these neighborhoods, which balances quality with affordability.
These neighborhoods attract young professionals in Romania because they offer short commutes to office hubs, abundant cafes and restaurants, good public transit connections, modern apartment stock, and a social atmosphere with others in similar life stages.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Romania.
Where do families prefer to rent in Romania right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Romania are Băneasa in Bucharest (quiet with good schools), Gheorgheni in Cluj-Napoca (parks and family amenities), and Răcădău in Brașov (green space and newer buildings).
Families in Romania typically pay between €600 and €1,000 per month (RON 3,000 to RON 5,000, or $630 to $1,050) for 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in these family-friendly neighborhoods.
These neighborhoods attract families in Romania because they offer larger apartment layouts, proximity to quality schools, access to parks and playgrounds, lower traffic and noise levels, and buildings with parking and storage space.
Top-rated schools near these family neighborhoods in Romania include the American International School and British School of Bucharest near Băneasa, Transylvania College in Cluj's Gheorgheni area, and several well-regarded Romanian public schools in Brașov's residential districts.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Romania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the fastest-renting areas near transit or universities in Romania are Politehnica/Grozăvești in Bucharest (near the technical university and metro), Zorilor in Cluj-Napoca (close to medical and technical universities), and Copou in Iași (adjacent to Alexandru Ioan Cuza University).
Properties in these high-demand areas in Romania typically stay listed for just 10 to 14 days before finding a tenant, compared to 20 to 30 days in less central locations.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit or universities in Romania runs approximately €50 to €100 per month (RON 250 to RON 500, or $52 to $105) above comparable units further from these amenities.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Romania right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Romania are Primăverii and Aviatorilor in Bucharest (established expat hub), Pipera in northern Bucharest (near international schools and offices), and Centru in Cluj-Napoca (walkable with English-friendly services).
Expats in Romania typically pay between €800 and €1,500 per month (RON 4,000 to RON 7,500, or $840 to $1,575) for quality apartments in these neighborhoods, often on the higher end if corporate-sponsored.
These neighborhoods attract expats in Romania because they offer proximity to international schools, English-speaking services, high-quality housing stock, established expat social networks, and easy access to airports and business districts.
The expat communities most represented in Romania's popular neighborhoods include Western Europeans (particularly Germans, French, and British), Americans, and increasingly professionals from India and other Asian countries working in Romania's growing tech sector.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Romania.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Romania right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Romania?
The top three tenant profiles dominating Romania's rental market are young professionals (working in tech, finance, and services), university students (concentrated in major academic cities), and young families (often renting before buying their first home).
Young professionals make up roughly 40 to 45 percent of Romania's urban rental demand, students account for about 25 to 30 percent (higher in cities like Cluj and Iași), and young families represent approximately 15 to 20 percent of the market.
Young professionals in Romania typically seek modern 1 to 2 bedroom apartments near work, students look for studios or shared apartments close to universities, and families search for 2 to 3 bedroom units in quieter neighborhoods with schools and parks nearby.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Romania.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Romania?
In Romania's rental market, approximately 65 to 70 percent of tenants prefer furnished apartments, while 30 to 35 percent opt for unfurnished units, with the split varying by property size and tenant type.
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments in Romania ranges from €50 to €100 per month (RON 250 to RON 500, or $52 to $105) above equivalent unfurnished units, though high-quality furnishing can command even more.
Tenant profiles that prefer furnished rentals in Romania include young professionals seeking convenience, students who don't own furniture, expats on temporary assignments, and anyone relocating from another city who wants to move in quickly without additional purchases.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Romania?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Romania are dedicated parking (especially in dense urban areas), air conditioning (essential for summer comfort), efficient central heating (critical for winter cost control), metro or transit proximity, and modern kitchen appliances.
In Romania, dedicated parking adds roughly €30 to €80 per month (RON 150 to RON 400, or $31 to $84), air conditioning adds €20 to €50 (RON 100 to RON 250, or $21 to $52), efficient heating systems add €30 to €60 (RON 150 to RON 300, or $31 to $63), transit proximity adds €50 to €100 (RON 250 to RON 500, or $52 to $105), and modern appliances add €20 to €40 (RON 100 to RON 200, or $21 to $42) to monthly rents.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Romania, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Romania?
The top five renovations with the best ROI for rental properties in Romania are fresh paint and lighting updates, modern flooring installation, kitchen cabinet and countertop refresh, bathroom fixture and tile upgrades, and adding or upgrading air conditioning units.
In Romania, fresh paint typically costs €500 to €1,500 (RON 2,500 to RON 7,500, or $525 to $1,575) and can add €20 to €40 monthly rent, modern flooring costs €1,000 to €3,000 (RON 5,000 to RON 15,000, or $1,050 to $3,150) for a €30 to €50 rent boost, kitchen refresh runs €1,500 to €4,000 (RON 7,500 to RON 20,000, or $1,575 to $4,200) for €40 to €70 more rent, bathroom updates cost €1,000 to €3,000 (RON 5,000 to RON 15,000, or $1,050 to $3,150) for €25 to €50 additional rent, and AC installation costs €800 to €1,500 (RON 4,000 to RON 7,500, or $840 to $1,575) for €20 to €50 more monthly.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI for landlords in Romania include luxury finishes that exceed neighborhood standards, swimming pools or elaborate outdoor features in urban apartments, and high-end smart home systems that most tenants won't pay extra for.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Romania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Romania as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Romania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the vacancy rate for rental properties in Romania's urban markets sits around 5 percent, though well-located and properly priced units in Bucharest and Cluj often experience vacancy rates closer to 3 percent.
The realistic range of vacancy rates across Romania's neighborhoods spans from about 3 percent in high-demand central areas to 7 to 10 percent in peripheral locations or buildings with outdated amenities.
Romania's current vacancy rate remains below the historical average of 6 to 8 percent, reflecting ongoing strong demand from young professionals and limited new rental supply in established neighborhoods.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Romania.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Romania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rentals in Romania stay listed for an average of about 18 to 20 days in Bucharest and 14 to 16 days in Cluj-Napoca, with secondary cities typically seeing 25 to 35 days on market.
The realistic range of days on market across Romania spans from under 10 days for well-priced units in prime locations to 45 days or more for overpriced properties or those in less desirable areas.
Romania's current days-on-market figures are roughly similar to one year ago, though properties with modern amenities and efficient heating are renting slightly faster as tenants become more selective about utility costs.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Romania?
The peak months for tenant demand in Romania are August through October, when students return to university cities and many young professionals relocate for new jobs after the summer break.
The main factors driving Romania's seasonal rental patterns include the academic calendar (university terms starting in October), corporate hiring cycles that often conclude in September, and the preference of many renters to move before winter heating season begins.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Romania are typically December through February, when holidays, cold weather, and the end of the academic semester discourage moving, though January sees a secondary spike from new-year job changes.
Buying real estate in Romania can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Romania as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Romania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Romania should expect to pay annual property tax (building tax) of roughly €50 to €200 (RON 250 to RON 1,000, or $52 to $210) for a typical urban apartment, calculated as a percentage of the property's taxable value.
The realistic range of annual property taxes in Romania spans from about €30 (RON 150, or $31) for modest apartments in smaller cities to €500 or more (RON 2,500+, or $525+) for high-value properties in premium Bucharest neighborhoods.
Property taxes in Romania are calculated by local councils applying a rate (typically 0.08 to 0.2 percent for residential buildings owned by individuals) to the taxable value of the building, with rates varying by municipality.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Romania, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Romania right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental apartment in Romania is approximately €550 to €1,100 (RON 2,750 to RON 5,500, or $575 to $1,155), which works out to roughly €10 to €20 per square meter per year.
The realistic range of annual maintenance costs in Romania extends from about €300 (RON 1,500, or $315) for newer buildings in good condition to €1,500 or more (RON 7,500+, or $1,575+) for older properties requiring more frequent repairs or furnished units with appliance wear.
Landlords in Romania typically set aside 5 to 10 percent of annual rental income for maintenance, with furnished rentals and older buildings requiring budgets toward the higher end of that range.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Romania right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay in Romania (particularly for furnished rentals) are internet and TV packages, and sometimes a portion of building common charges, while tenants typically handle electricity, gas, and water directly.
When landlords in Romania do cover internet and TV, the typical monthly cost is €15 to €30 (RON 75 to RON 150, or $16 to $31), and if they include building common charges in the rent, this adds another €30 to €80 (RON 150 to RON 400, or $31 to $84) depending on building services.
The common practice in Romania is for tenants to pay all consumption-based utilities (electricity, gas, water) directly to providers, while lease-specific arrangements determine who handles fixed charges like internet or building administration fees.
How is rental income taxed in Romania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Romania is subject to a 10 percent personal income tax, with the annual declaration and payment typically due by May 25 of the following year.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Romania include a standard expense deduction (often applied automatically in simplified calculations) and, for those using the real expense method, documented costs like repairs, management fees, and property-related expenses.
Common tax mistakes landlords in Romania should avoid include failing to register rental contracts with ANAF within the required timeframe, overlooking the potential health contribution (CASS) obligation when rental and other independent incomes exceed certain thresholds, and misunderstanding which expense deduction method applies to their situation.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Romania.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Romania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Romania, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| National Institute of Statistics (INSSE) | Romania's official statistics agency, providing the baseline for all price and inflation data. | We use it as the anchor for how rents typically move in official inflation measures. We cross-check private market rent changes against this official direction of travel. |
| Eurostat | The EU's official statistics body, ensuring consistent cross-country comparisons. | We use it to triangulate rent inflation in Romania versus the EU context. We also use it to sanity-check the size of year-over-year moves. |
| National Bank of Romania (BNR) | Romania's central bank, with authoritative inflation reports explaining what drives prices. | We use it to explain why rents are rising or falling based on wages, inflation, and interest rates. We reference its inflation outlook to frame the 2026 rent projections. |
| Colliers Romania | A top-tier global real estate consultancy with transparent, research-driven market reporting. | We use it to describe supply constraints and demand drivers affecting rents. We also use it to support our outlook section with professional market insights. |
| CBRE Romania | A major global real estate advisor whose macro and market framing is widely cited. | We use it to cross-check the broader real estate cycle Romania is in. We use that to keep our rent outlook grounded in market realities. |
| Cushman & Wakefield Echinox | A leading real estate research team active in Romania, reflecting institutional market sentiment. | We use it to triangulate how professional investors and developers view demand and supply. We use that sentiment as a secondary check on our assumptions. |
| Imobiliare.ro Market 360 | One of Romania's best-known property portals with regular methodology-driven market reports. | We use it to understand demand pressure and listing patterns. We treat it as asking-rent market data and cross-check against other sources. |
| Storia.ro (OLX Group) | A major listings platform whose aggregates are frequently referenced in mainstream market reporting. | We use it to triangulate rent levels and identify which cities are moving fastest. We compare findings across multiple publications citing this dataset. |
| Wall-Street.ro | A mainstream Romanian business outlet that regularly reports rent data by city and unit type. | We use it as a distribution layer that conveniently summarizes underlying portal data. We only cite it when it clearly references the dataset behind the numbers. |
| Reuters | A highly reliable wire service for policy changes affecting household costs and rent affordability. | We use it to explain why utilities have been policy-driven in Romania. We treat it as context for tenant preferences, not as a rent price source. |
| ANAF (Romanian Tax Authority) | An official ANAF document explaining rules and deadlines for rental income and contributions. | We use it to describe how landlords declare rental income and key deadlines. We also explain when health contributions can apply to rental income. |
| PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries | A globally recognized tax reference updated by local specialists and widely used for cross-country checks. | We use it to confirm the headline personal income tax rate and filing timing. We use it as a cross-check against ANAF guidance. |
| Romania Ministry of Finance | An official government site aggregating tax legislation and references. | We use it to anchor property tax basics to an official source. We frame what landlords should budget without guessing exotic tax rules. |
| Fiscal Code (Article 457) | A structured publication of Romanian Fiscal Code articles, useful for verifying exact tax mechanisms. | We use it to explain how local building tax is calculated. We treat it as a text of law reference and cross-check with Ministry guidance. |
| Kinstellar | A well-established law firm summarizing legislated changes with specific dates and thresholds. | We use it for the specific point about high-value property tax changes in 2026. We keep this clearly separated from typical landlord tax information. |
| Orașul București | A local news and market source covering Bucharest rental trends and demand patterns. | We use it for Bucharest-specific vacancy and demand signals. We cross-reference with national sources to ensure consistency. |
| Avantaje.ro | A Romanian lifestyle publication that reports on neighborhood desirability and housing trends. | We use it to identify which premium neighborhoods are most cited. We validate these against professional real estate reports. |
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