Digital nomads in Cluj-Napoca: your ultimate guide
Romania’s vibrant city of Cluj-Napoca is an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads looking for an affordable and culturally rich place to live and work.
With its history, thriving arts scene, and relaxed lifestyle, Cluj-Napoca is a city that offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about life as a digital nomad in Cluj-Napoca, from the weather and cost of living to the zero waste options and local cuisine.
General Info
Cluj-Napoca is the second-largest city in Romania, located in the heart of Transylvania. Known for its rich cultural heritage and strong academic traditions, the city is home to a thriving arts scene, world-class museums, and a bustling nightlife. With a population of over 300,000, Cluj-Napoca is a cosmopolitan city that is well-equipped to accommodate digital nomads.
Weather
Cluj-Napoca has a moderate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer months is around 22°C, while in the winter, it can drop to below 0°C. With plenty of sunny days throughout the year, the city is an ideal destination for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Long-term Accommodation
There are plenty of options for long-term accommodation in Cluj-Napoca, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury apartments. For digital nomads looking for affordable options, there are plenty of shared apartments available for rent. You can also find private apartments for rent, with prices starting at around 300 euro per month. Read more about the long-term accommodation in Romania and detailed rents.
Cost of Living
Cluj-Napoca is a relatively affordable city, with a cost of living that is lower than in many other European cities. You can expect to spend around 800 – 1.500 euro per month on accommodation, food, and transportation, depending on your lifestyle. The cost of living in Cluj-Napoca is much lower than in cities like Paris, London, or Berlin, however it is similar to Bucharest (sometimes, a bit higher).
Supermarket:
- 10 eggs 2,2 euro
- cheese 2-3 euro
- beer 0,8-1,5 euro
Restaurant:
- meal + drinks / person 15-30 euro
- greek salad 7-10 euro
- fish + side 12-17 euro
- beer 3-5 euro
- cocktail 6-8 euro
Transport:
- bus – 1 month pass 95 lei (approx 19 euro)
- Uber / Bolt / taxi 4-20 euro per ride
Here’s a few more figures from Numbeo.
Local Cuisine
Cluj-Napoca is known for its delicious cuisine, with a strong tradition of home-style cooking. From hearty stews and casseroles to fresh vegetables and grilled meats, the local cuisine is simple, flavorful, and satisfying. You can find plenty of affordable and delicious options in the city’s many cafes, bistros, and street food stalls.
Transportation
Cluj-Napoca has an efficient public transportation system, with a network of buses, trams, and trolleys that connect the city center to the surrounding suburbs. You can purchase a monthly pass for around 19 euro, which gives you unlimited access to the city’s public transportation network. Taxis, Uber and Bolt are also available, with prices starting at around 3 euro for a short ride.
Coworking Spaces
Cluj-Napoca is home to a thriving startup community, and as a result, there are plenty of coworking spaces available for digital nomads. From shared offices to private workspaces, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your needs. Some popular coworking spaces in the city include Cluj Hub, Silicon Forest and Xponential.
Night Life
Cluj-Napoca has a lively nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink with friends or a wild night out on the town, you’ll find plenty of options in the city.
Activities
In addition to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, Cluj-Napoca offers a range of activities for digital nomads. From visiting the city’s many museums and galleries to hiking in the nearby hills, there’s something for everyone. Some popular activities include exploring the city’s parks and gardens, visiting the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, and taking a hot air balloon ride over the city.
Day Trips Around the City
Cluj-Napoca is located in the heart of Transylvania, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region. From the rolling hills of the Apuseni Mountains to the medieval town of Sighișoara, there are plenty of interesting places to visit within a short drive from the city.
Some popular day trips from Cluj-Napoca include visiting the painted monasteries of Bucovina, exploring the fortified churches of Transylvania, and taking a tour of the famous salt mines of Turda.
Zero Waste Options
Cluj-Napoca is becoming an increasingly eco-friendly city, and there are plenty of zero waste options available for digital nomads. From farmers’ markets and local food shops to reusable water bottles and cloth bags, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to reduce your environmental impact.
Shops where you will find zero waste products in the city include Ecoptimist and Terrawell. You can find the whole list of zero waste shops in Romania here.
Mindfulness
Cluj-Napoca is a city that values mindfulness and wellness, and there are plenty of opportunities to practice yoga, meditation, and other forms of mindfulness. From quiet parks and gardens to dedicated yoga studios and meditation centers, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with yourself and the city’s natural surroundings.
Internet Connection
Cluj-Napoca is well-equipped for digital nomads, with reliable and fast internet available throughout the city. You’ll find free Wi-Fi in many cafes, coworking spaces, and public areas, and you can also purchase a mobile data plan for around 15 euro per month.
How to Get to Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is well-connected to the rest of Europe, with regular flights to and from major cities including Paris, London, and Berlin. You can also reach the city by car or train from Bucharest, with the journey taking around 8-12 hours.
If you’re coming from Europe, you can take a direct flight to Cluj-Napoca (Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport) or take the train to the city from nearby cities such as Budapest or Vienna.
Safety Index
Cluj-Napoca is a safe city, with a low crime rate and a friendly, welcoming population. As with any city, it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping your valuables secure.
According to Numbeo, Cluj’s safety index is 77.46, making the it a very low crima rate city. In the top bellow, it is 79.21 and in top 20 safest cities.
In conclusion, from its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene to its affordable cost of living and friendly population, the city is an ideal destination for digital nomads. Whether you’re looking to explore the rolling hills of Transylvania, connect with yourself through mindfulness and wellness practices, or simply enjoy a relaxed and affordable lifestyle, Cluj-Napoca may be the perfect place for you.
Check the other cities in Romania for digital nomads.
