Cluj-Napoca – Expat City Guide
Romania’s unofficial second city. Tech hub, student town, and Transylvanian culture capital.
Quick Facts
- Population: ~325,000 (metro: 420,000)
- Expat population: ~5,000+
- Average rent (2-bed): 400-700 EUR
- Average salary: 1,300-2,200 EUR net
- Airport: Cluj International (CLJ) – 10km east
Why Cluj?
- Tech hub – Major IT companies, startups
- University town – Young, vibrant energy
- Cultural capital – Festivals, music, arts
- Gateway to Transylvania – Mountains, nature
- Growing international community
Best Neighborhoods
Central
- Centru – Historic, walkable, restaurants. Higher prices.
- Mărăști – Residential, good transport, mix of old/new.
Popular with Expats
- Gheorgheni – Near tech offices, Iulius Mall, parks.
- Bună Ziua – New developments, families, quiet.
- Europa – New area, modern buildings.
Budget
- Mănăștur – Largest neighborhood, affordable, student-friendly.
- Zorilor – Near university, good value.
Major Employers
- Tech: Bosch, NTT Data, Endava, Betfair, Siemens
- Startups: Many local and international
- Shared services: HP, Nokia, Office Depot
Getting Around
- Buses: CTP Cluj network (2.5 RON/trip)
- No metro – but city is walkable
- Bolt/Uber: Available, affordable
- Bike-friendly: Growing infrastructure
Expat Life
Events & Culture
- UNTOLD Festival – Massive music festival (August)
- TIFF – Transylvania Film Festival (June)
- Jazz in the Park
- Electric Castle – Nearby at Banffy Castle
Food Scene
- Excellent restaurants, cafes
- Growing vegan/vegetarian options
- Craft beer scene
Day Trips
- Turda Salt Mine – 30 min, underground amusement park
- Alba Iulia – 1.5h, historic fortress
- Apuseni Mountains – 1.5h, hiking, caves
- Sighișoara – 2h, medieval citadel
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent IT job market | Smaller than Bucharest |
| Young, dynamic city | Fewer international flights |
| Lower cost than Bucharest | Cold winters |
| Cultural events | Rent increasing fast |
| Close to nature | Less English in services |
