Surprisingly Affordable College Towns You Can Actually Live In

By

Lisette Marie

December 8, 2025

19. Cluj-Napoca, Romania (Babeș-Bolyai University)

Cluj-Napoca cityscape view of lake an houses. Photo Credit: Envato @andreealive

Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is one of Europe’s most underrated college towns. It boasts low rent, cheap food, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Romania’s cost of living is among the lowest in the EU, and Cluj-Napoca is a fast-growing tech and cultural hub with excellent infrastructure. The surrounding Carpathian Mountains provide endless outdoor adventures, making it an affordable and dynamic place to live.

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