Craiova vs Paks

Craiova is a solid bet for budget-conscious expats who value safety and low costs over nightlife or a big expat scene. With a cost of living index of 38/100 and a comfortable single-person budget of $1,120/mo, your money goes far, especially on rent and dining. The city's 80/100 safety index and good healthcare are strong draws, but the very small expat community and only common English in tourist areas mean you'll need to learn Romanian to truly integrate. For digital nomads, the Romania Digital Nomad Visa requires a $3,700/mo minimum income, which is well above the local average salary of $921/mo, making it a viable option only for those with remote income.

A one-bedroom in central Bucharest runs about $508 a month, roughly a third of what the same unit costs in a mid-size US downtown. Add a flat 10% income tax and $659 in monthly living costs, and a modest remote salary stretches far. The digital nomad visa requires at least USD 3,700 per month, setting a bar above median local earnings but below typical upper‑middle income levels in many source countries. Worth it if you clear that bar and can live without a large English-speaking expat network.