Thinking about relocating to Romania or Greece? This comprehensive Romania vs Greece comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional comparing international options, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
+404.5%
Romania pays more
Romania
RON 111,000
avg. salary
Greece
€22,000
avg. salary
Romania vs Greece Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
RON 111,000€22,000Median Salary
RON 94,000€18,000Minimum Wage
RON 50,250€12,880Top 10%
RON 200,000€40,000Work-Life Balance: Romania vs Greece
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
40 hours standard, 48 hours maximum including overtime
40 hours
Annual Leave
20 working days minimum
20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years)
Public Holidays
16 days
14 days
Sick Leave
Medical leave commonly paid at 75-100% depending on diagnosis, usually up to 183 days/year
Up to 6 months at 50% via social security (EFKA)
Maternity Leave
126 calendar days maternity leave
17 weeks at full pay
Paternity Leave
10 working days, plus 5 with childcare course
14 days paid
Romania vs Greece for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Romania
Why Work in Romania
Strong Tech Hubs
Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi have deep software, outsourcing, and engineering labour markets.
EU Labour Market Access
EU and EEA citizens can work without a work permit, and non-EU employees use established work authorisation routes.
Lower Cost Base
Housing and services are generally cheaper than in Western European capitals, especially outside Bucharest and Cluj.
Flat Income Tax
A 10% salary income tax makes the tax structure easier to understand than many progressive systems.
Growing International Employers
Multinationals in IT, finance, automotive, telecom, and shared services continue to hire English-speaking professionals.
Challenges of Living in Romania
High Employee Contributions
CAS and CASS together take 35% of gross salary before income tax is applied.
Regional Salary Gaps
Bucharest and Cluj pay much more than many counties, so national averages can overstate typical local pay.
Bureaucracy
Immigration, residence, public services, and paperwork can still require patience and local-language support.
Infrastructure Differences
Transport, healthcare access, and public services vary significantly by city and region.
Inflation Pressure
Recent wage growth has often lagged inflation, reducing real purchasing power for many workers.
Greece
Why Work in Greece
Low Cost of Living
One of the most affordable countries in the eurozone, especially outside Athens
Mediterranean Lifestyle
Excellent climate, food, culture, and a relaxed quality of life year-round
Tax Incentives
Special regimes for foreign workers: 50% tax exemption for new residents, digital nomad programs
Growing Tech Scene
Athens is becoming a notable startup hub with increasing venture capital investment
EU Membership
Full eurozone member with freedom of movement for EU citizens
Challenges of Living in Greece
Lower Salaries
Wages are below the EU average, though cost of living partially compensates
High Social Security
Combined employee + employer contributions exceed 36% of gross salary
Bureaucracy
Administrative processes can be slow and complex, especially for non-Greek speakers
Limited Industries
Job market is concentrated in tourism, shipping, and services; fewer opportunities in manufacturing
Tax Rates Romania vs Greece
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Romania
- Flat 10% personal income tax on taxable salary income
- Employee CAS pension contribution is 25% of gross salary
- Employee CASS health contribution is 10% of gross salary
- Employer CAM work insurance contribution is 2.25% on top of gross pay
- Personal deduction applies only at the main job and phases out above minimum wage plus RON 2,000/month
- 2026 minimum wage relief excludes RON 300/month in Jan-Jun and RON 200/month in Jul-Dec when conditions are met
Greece
- Progressive income tax with 6 brackets from 9% to 44% (Law 5246/2025)
- Social Security (EFKA): 13.87% employee + 22.04% employer
- 14 monthly payments (12 regular + Christmas, Easter & vacation bonuses)
- Tax credit of €777 (phased out above €12,000 income)
- Solidarity surcharge abolished since 2023
- Minimum wage: €920/month from April 1, 2026 (raised from €880)
Best Cities to Work in Romania and Greece
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Romania
Greece
How to Find Jobs in Romania vs Greece
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Romania
Large Romanian job platform covering office, technical, sales, healthcare, and remote roles.
Recruitment Agencies
Hays, Adecco, Manpower, Randstad, and local specialists are active in IT, engineering, finance, and shared services.
Greece
Work Visa Options: Romania vs Greece
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Romania Work Visas
Permanent Worker Work Permit
Standard employer-sponsored route for non-EU citizens hired under a Romanian employment contract.
Highly Qualified Worker / EU Blue Card
Route for highly qualified non-EU workers with higher-education qualifications and a qualifying salary.
Seasonal Worker Permit
For temporary seasonal employment, commonly in agriculture, hospitality, and related sectors.
Intra-Company Transfer / Posted Worker
For employees assigned to Romania by a foreign employer or group company.
Trainee Worker Permit
For non-EU workers undertaking a fixed training placement with a Romanian legal entity.
Greece Work Visas
Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancing for foreign clients
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified workers from outside the EU
National Work Visa (Type D)
Standard work visa for non-EU nationals with a job offer
Frequently Asked Questions: Romania vs Greece
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Romania vs Greece?
The average salary in Romania is RON 111,000 per year, while in Greece it is €22,000 per year. This represents a 404.5% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Romania or Greece?
Romania offers 20 working days minimum annual leave and 16 public holidays with a 40 hours standard, 48 hours maximum including overtime work week. Greece offers 20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years) annual leave and 14 public holidays with a 40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Romania and Greece?
In Romania, maternity leave is 126 calendar days maternity leave and paternity leave is 10 working days, plus 5 with childcare course. In Greece, maternity leave is 17 weeks at full pay and paternity leave is 14 days paid.
Is it better to work in Romania or Greece as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Romania offers: Strong Tech Hubs, EU Labour Market Access. Greece offers: Low Cost of Living, Mediterranean Lifestyle. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Romania and Greece?
Romania: Flat 10% personal income tax on taxable salary income. Greece: Progressive income tax with 6 brackets from 9% to 44% (Law 5246/2025). Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Salary statistics methodology
Salary benchmarks are compiled from official statistics, labour-market releases, and country employment datasets. This page was last reviewed for Romania 2026 data on April 27, 2026.
Primary references
Calculation notes
- Average and median salaries are gross annual estimates unless marked as net.
- Industry and experience bands are directional benchmarks, not guaranteed pay ranges.
- Figures can vary by region, company size, benefits, contract type, and bonus policy.
Salary statistics methodology
Salary benchmarks are compiled from official statistics, labour-market releases, and country employment datasets. This page was last reviewed for Greece 2026 data on April 27, 2026.
Primary references
Calculation notes
- Average and median salaries are gross annual estimates unless marked as net.
- Industry and experience bands are directional benchmarks, not guaranteed pay ranges.
- Figures can vary by region, company size, benefits, contract type, and bonus policy.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Romania or Greece
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
