Overview of the Report and Publisher
The article “Chirii în creștere la final de 2025: Craiova, campioana scumpirilor” is published by Euronews România, a branch of the international Euronews network that delivers news across Europe. Produced automatically by the EHC profile routine, the piece compiles data from real‑estate portals and local interviews to illustrate rent inflation trends in Romanian cities at the close of 2025.
National Rent Inflation Snapshot
In 2025, Romania experienced continuous quarterly rent increases, with Craiova emerging as the city with the highest year‑end growth. According to imobiliare.ro, Craiova ranks fourth overall among the most expensive Romanian cities for rentals. Agent Elena Paraschivu reports an approximate 20 % rise in rental prices, with studio apartments averaging €200 per month and two‑bedroom units exceeding €250. Premium apartments can reach €500 monthly.
Craiova’s Seasonal and Hotel‑Style Rentals
Beyond long‑term leases, Craiova saw notable spikes in short‑term accommodation during the Christmas market. A centrally located apartment with parking and strong reviews commanded between 1 300 and 2 500 lei per night (≈ €255–€490), highlighting the impact of tourism‑driven demand on overall housing costs.
Bucharest Remains the Costliest Market
Bucharest continues to hold the title of Romania’s most expensive city for apartment rentals. Between July and September 2025, studio rents rose to €390 per month, a €20 increase compared with early‑year levels. The city’s high demand is driven by a concentration of older block apartments that remain popular among renters.
Cluj‑Napoca: Rising Prices Across Segments
Cluj‑Napoca recorded significant rent hikes as well. The cheapest district, Mănăștur, still saw studio rents climb from €370 to €400, while two‑bedroom apartments increased from €550 to nearly €600. Average studio rent settled at €400, two‑bedroom at €600, and three‑bedroom units at €700 per month. These figures match premium rates in other regional capitals such as Iași.
Tenant Reactions and Calls for Organisation
The surge in housing costs has prompted tenants, many of whom are students, to advocate for renters’ associations. Interviews with tenants like Dragoș Colceru and Mădălina Mărgeanu reveal concerns over sudden €150–€200 rent jumps, forcing shared living arrangements or relocation. Limited university dormitory capacity further exacerbates pressure on the private rental market.
Implications for Sustainable Housing
The rapid rent inflation underscores challenges for sustainable urban housing. Higher costs can push residents toward smaller, less energy‑efficient units or increase reliance on short‑term, tourism‑focused accommodation, which typically has a larger carbon footprint. Policymakers aiming for sustainable housing must consider rent control measures, incentives for energy‑retrofit of older buildings, and support for cooperative tenant organisations to maintain affordability while reducing environmental impact.