Cost of Living in Russia
Russia is one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world, offering a wide range of living costs depending on the city, lifestyle, and personal preferences. The cost of living in Russia is generally lower than in many Western countries, but expenses can vary significantly between major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg and smaller regional towns.
🏠 Housing Costs in Russia
Housing is one of the most significant expenses in Russia. Rental prices vary widely depending on the city and location. Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other large cities have higher rental costs, while smaller cities and rural areas are much more affordable.
Average Monthly Rent (in Russian Rubles - RUB)
|
Accommodation Type |
Moscow |
Saint Petersburg |
Novosibirsk |
Kazan |
Vladivostok |
Smaller Cities |
|
1BR Apartment (City Center) |
60,000–100,000 |
40,000–70,000 |
30,000–50,000 |
25,000–45,000 |
35,000–55,000 |
15,000–30,000 |
|
1BR Apartment (Outside Center) |
30,000–60,000 |
25,000–50,000 |
20,000–40,000 |
18,000–35,000 |
20,000–40,000 |
10,000–25,000 |
|
3BR Apartment (City Center) |
100,000–200,000 |
70,000–150,000 |
50,000–100,000 |
45,000–90,000 |
60,000–120,000 |
30,000–60,000 |
|
3BR Apartment (Outside Center) |
60,000–120,000 |
50,000–100,000 |
40,000–80,000 |
35,000–70,000 |
45,000–90,000 |
20,000–50,000 |
Buying Property in Russia
If you plan to buy property in Russia, here are the average prices per square meter:
- Moscow (City Center): 400,000–700,000 RUB
- Moscow (Outside Center): 250,000–500,000 RUB
- Saint Petersburg (City Center): 250,000–500,000 RUB
- Regional Cities: 100,000–250,000 RUB
🍽️ Food & Dining Costs in Russia
Food expenses in Russia are relatively affordable, especially when shopping at local markets and cooking at home. Eating out can range from budget-friendly options to luxury restaurants, depending on location and lifestyle.
Groceries (Average Prices per kg or liter in RUB)
|
Item |
Price Range |
|
Milk (1 liter) |
80–150 |
|
Rice (1 kg) |
80–200 |
|
Chicken (1 kg) |
300–600 |
|
Apples (1 kg) |
100–300 |
|
Potatoes (1 kg) |
50–150 |
|
Bread (500g) |
40–100 |
|
Eggs (12 pieces) |
120–300 |
Eating Out
|
Type of Meal |
Moscow |
Saint Petersburg |
Regional Cities |
|
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal |
600–1,500 |
500–1,200 |
400–1,000 |
|
Mid-Range Restaurant (for 2) |
3,000–7,000 |
2,500–6,000 |
2,000–5,000 |
|
Fast Food Combo (McDonald's, KFC) |
500–900 |
400–800 |
350–700 |
|
Cappuccino |
150–400 |
120–350 |
100–300 |
🚕 Transportation Costs in Russia
Public transport is well-developed in major Russian cities, with affordable metro, bus, and taxi services.
|
Mode of Transport |
Moscow |
Saint Petersburg |
Regional Cities |
|
One-way Metro/Bus Ticket |
60–80 |
50–70 |
30–50 |
|
Monthly Public Transport Pass |
3,000–4,500 |
2,500–4,000 |
1,500–3,000 |
|
Taxi Ride (5 km) |
400–1,000 |
300–800 |
200–600 |
|
Gasoline (1 liter) |
60–80 |
60–80 |
60–80 |
📡 Utilities & Internet Costs
Utility costs in Russia depend on apartment size, usage, and city. Internet is generally fast and affordable.
|
Utility |
Average Monthly Cost (RUB) |
|
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating) |
5,000–12,000 |
|
Internet (Unlimited, 100 Mbps) |
600–1,500 |
|
Mobile Phone Plan |
500–1,200 |
👗 Clothing & Personal Care
|
Item |
Price Range (RUB) |
|
Jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) |
5,000–12,000 |
|
Summer Dress (Zara, H&M) |
4,000–10,000 |
|
Sneakers (Nike, Adidas) |
6,000–15,000 |
|
Men’s Leather Shoes |
8,000–20,000 |
💊 Healthcare & Personal Care Costs
Healthcare in Russia is generally affordable, with a mix of public and private options.
|
Service |
Price Range (RUB) |
|
Private Doctor Consultation |
2,500–6,000 |
|
Cold Medicine (6-day supply) |
300–1,000 |
|
Antibiotics (12 doses) |
500–2,000 |
|
Tampons (32-pack) |
200–600 |
|
Shampoo (400ml) |
150–500 |
|
Toothpaste (1 tube) |
100–400 |
🎉 Entertainment & Leisure Costs
|
Activity |
Moscow |
Saint Petersburg |
Regional Cities |
|
Gym Membership |
3,000–10,000 |
2,500–8,000 |
2,000–6,000 |
|
Cinema Ticket |
600–1,500 |
500–1,200 |
400–1,000 |
|
Beer (500ml, Bar) |
300–700 |
250–600 |
200–500 |
|
Cocktail (Downtown Bar) |
600–1,500 |
500–1,200 |
400–1,000 |
Summary of Cost of Living in Russia
The cost of living in Russia varies greatly depending on your location and lifestyle. Expats and locals alike can find affordable living in regional cities, while those in Moscow and Saint Petersburg should expect higher expenses. Whether you're a student, worker, or retiree, understanding the cost of living will help you budget accordingly for a comfortable life in Russia.
- Moscow is the most expensive city, especially for housing, dining, and entertainment.
- Saint Petersburg is slightly cheaper but still costly in terms of rent and dining out.
- Regional cities offer a significantly lower cost of living, with housing and food being much more affordable.
- Public transportation is inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Utilities and internet are affordable but can vary depending on apartment size and city.
- Imported goods and clothing can be expensive, but local alternatives are available.
The Cost of Living in Russia’s Major Cities
Russia is the largest country in the world, with a diverse range of cities offering different lifestyles and costs of living. Below, we explore the cost of living in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Chelyabinsk, and Omsk.
1. Moscow (Population: 13 million)
Moscow, Russia's capital, is the most expensive city in the country. It offers world-class infrastructure, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions but comes with a high cost of living, especially for housing, dining, and entertainment.
|
Category |
Item |
Price (₽) |
|
🏠 Housing |
Rent (85m², furnished, expensive area) |
104,544 |
|
|
Rent (85m², furnished, normal area) |
60,730 |
|
Utilities (85m², two people) |
8,180 |
|
|
Rent (45m² studio, furnished, expensive area) |
52,770 |
|
|
Rent (45m² studio, furnished, normal area) |
32,676 |
|
|
Utilities (45m², one person) |
5,873 |
|
|
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps, monthly) |
841 |
|
|
40” Flat-screen TV |
23,070 |
|
|
Microwave (800/900W, Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, etc.) |
8,157 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3L / ~100 oz.) |
547 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
1,019 |
|
|
🍽️ Food & Groceries |
Basic lunchtime menu (business district) |
516 |
|
|
Combo meal (fast food, Big Mac Meal or similar) |
359 |
|
500g boneless chicken breast |
219 |
|
|
1L whole fat milk |
86 |
|
|
12 eggs, large |
144 |
|
|
1kg tomatoes |
214 |
|
|
500g local cheese |
433 |
|
|
1kg apples |
135 |
|
|
1kg potatoes |
53 |
|
|
1kg rice |
90 |
|
|
1kg onions |
50 |
|
|
0.5L domestic beer (supermarket) |
90 |
|
|
1 bottle red table wine (good quality) |
687 |
|
|
2L Coca-Cola |
166 |
|
|
Bread for 2 people (1 day) |
40 |
|
|
1kg beef |
850 |
|
|
🎭 Entertainment & Leisure |
Basic dinner for two (neighborhood pub) |
1,898 |
|
|
2 movie tickets |
670 |
|
2 theater tickets (best available seats) |
5,618 |
|
|
Dinner for two (Italian restaurant, incl. wine, dessert) |
3,349 |
|
|
1 cocktail (downtown club) |
487 |
|
|
Cappuccino (expat area) |
191 |
|
|
1 beer (neighborhood pub, 500ml) |
249 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB |
58,430 |
|
|
1-minute prepaid mobile tariff |
3.22 |
|
|
1-month gym membership (business district) |
3,415 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
206 |
|
|
🚇 Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (new) |
2,623,330 |
|
|
1 liter of gas |
55 |
|
Monthly public transport pass |
2,070 |
|
|
One-way bus/metro ticket |
60 – 75 |
|
|
Taxi fare per km |
25 – 50 |
|
|
🛍️ Clothing & Footwear |
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) |
6,351 |
|
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) |
3,158 |
|
|
1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, etc.) |
8,294 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
7,671 |
|
|
🏥 Personal Care & Healthcare |
Cold medicine (6 days, Tylenol, etc.) |
307 |
|
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
519 |
|
Short visit to private doctor (15 min) |
1,869 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, etc.) |
337 |
|
|
Deodorant (roll-on, 50ml) |
260 |
|
|
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400ml) |
223 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
126 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
138 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut (expat area) |
526 |
Summary of the Cost of Living in Moscow
Moscow is Russia's most expensive city, with significantly high housing, dining, and entertainment costs compared to other regions. While public transport and groceries remain relatively affordable, imported goods, dining at upscale restaurants, and high-end apartments drive up expenses.
2. Saint Petersburg (Population: 5.6 million)
Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, is a cultural and historical gem known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant arts scene. With a population of 5.6 million, it serves as a major economic and cultural hub. While Saint Petersburg is more affordable than Moscow, the cost of living varies depending on lifestyle and location.
|
Category |
Item |
Price Range (₽) |
|
🏠 Housing |
1-bedroom apartment (City Center) |
40,000 – 70,000 |
|
|
3-bedroom apartment (City Center) |
80,000 – 150,000 |
|
1-bedroom apartment (Outside City Center) |
25,000 – 45,000 |
|
|
3-bedroom apartment (Outside City Center) |
50,000 – 90,000 |
|
|
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water) |
5,000 – 10,000 |
|
|
🍽️ Food |
Monthly grocery budget (1 person) |
10,000 – 20,000 |
|
|
1L Milk |
60 – 80 |
|
1kg Chicken |
300 – 500 |
|
|
1kg Apples |
100 – 150 |
|
|
Budget meal at a restaurant |
500 – 1,000 |
|
|
Mid-range restaurant (per person) |
2,000 – 4,000 |
|
|
Fast food combo meal |
300 – 500 |
|
|
🚇 Transportation |
Metro fare (per ride) |
60 – 70 |
|
|
Monthly public transport pass |
2,000 – 3,000 |
|
Taxi ride (short distance) |
200 – 500 |
|
|
Train to Moscow (2nd class) |
1,500 – 5,000 |
|
|
Domestic flights |
3,000 – 10,000 |
|
|
🏥 Healthcare |
Private doctor consultation |
2,000 – 5,000 |
|
|
Expat health insurance (per year) |
20,000 – 50,000 |
|
🎓 Education |
Private & International School Fees (Yearly) |
200,000 – 800,000 |
|
🎭 Entertainment |
Movie ticket |
300 – 600 |
|
|
Gym membership (monthly) |
2,000 – 5,000 |
|
Museum/Theater ticket |
500 – 1,500 |
|
|
💰 Miscellaneous |
Mobile phone plan (monthly) |
500 – 1,000 |
|
|
High-speed internet (monthly) |
500 – 1,000 |
Summary of the Cost of Living in Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is Russia’s cultural capital, offering a lower cost of living than Moscow but still relatively high compared to other cities. With affordable public transport, reasonable grocery costs, and a rich entertainment scene, it is a great place to live while maintaining a balanced budget.
3. Kazan (Population: 1.1 million)
Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, is a vibrant and affordable city with a population of 1.1 million. It offers a lower cost of living than Moscow or Saint Petersburg, making it a great choice for students, professionals, and expatriates.
|
Category |
Item |
Price (₽) |
|
🏠 Housing |
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (expensive area) |
65,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (normal area) |
40,000 |
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for two people (85 m²) |
7,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (expensive area) |
35,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (normal area) |
22,000 |
|
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for one person (45 m²) |
5,000 |
|
|
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps, monthly) |
700 |
|
|
40” flat-screen TV |
20,000 |
|
|
Microwave (800/900W, Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, etc.) |
7,500 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3 liters / ~100 oz.) |
500 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
900 |
|
|
🍽️ Food & Groceries |
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district |
450 |
|
|
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) |
320 |
|
500g (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast |
200 |
|
|
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk |
70 |
|
|
12 eggs, large |
160 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes |
180 |
|
|
500g (16 oz.) of local cheese |
400 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples |
140 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes |
50 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of rice |
100 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of onions |
60 |
|
|
0.5L (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket |
80 |
|
|
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality |
600 |
|
|
2 liters of Coca-Cola |
150 |
|
|
Bread for 2 people for 1 day |
45 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of beef |
750 |
|
|
🎭 Entertainment & Leisure |
Basic dinner for two in a neighborhood pub |
1,600 |
|
|
2 tickets to the movies |
600 |
|
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) |
4,500 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant |
3,000 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink in a downtown club |
450 |
|
|
Cappuccino in an expat area |
180 |
|
|
1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500ml) |
230 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB |
55,000 |
|
|
1-minute prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) |
3.00 |
|
|
1-month gym membership in the business district |
2,800 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
200 |
|
|
🚇 Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), new |
2,200,000 |
|
|
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas |
55 |
|
Monthly public transport pass |
1,800 |
|
|
One-way bus or metro ticket |
50 |
|
|
Taxi fare per km |
20 – 40 |
|
|
🛍️ Clothing & Footwear |
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) |
5,800 |
|
|
1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, or similar) |
3,000 |
|
1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent) |
7,500 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
7,000 |
|
|
💊 Personal Care & Healthcare |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, etc.) |
300 |
|
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
500 |
|
Short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes) |
1,500 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, etc.) |
350 |
|
|
Deodorant (roll-on, 50ml) |
250 |
|
|
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400ml) |
230 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
130 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
140 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area |
500 |
Summary of the Cost of Living in Kazan
Kazan is a much more affordable city compared to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Housing, food, and entertainment cost significantly less, while public transportation remains cheap and efficient. The city offers a high quality of life at a reasonable price, making it a great choice for expats and locals alike.
4. Nizhny Novgorod (Population: 1.3 million)
Nizhny Novgorod, Russia’s fifth-largest city, is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and lower cost of living compared to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. With a population of 1.3 million, the city offers a balanced lifestyle with affordable housing, transport, and entertainment.
|
Category |
Item |
Price (₽) |
|
🏠 Housing |
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (expensive area) |
55,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (normal area) |
38,000 |
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for two people (85 m²) |
6,800 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (expensive area) |
30,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (normal area) |
20,000 |
|
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for one person (45 m²) |
4,900 |
|
|
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps, monthly) |
750 |
|
|
40” flat-screen TV |
19,500 |
|
|
Microwave (800/900W, Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, etc.) |
7,000 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3 liters / ~100 oz.) |
480 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
850 |
|
|
🍽️ Food & Groceries |
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district |
420 |
|
|
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) |
310 |
|
500g (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast |
190 |
|
|
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk |
68 |
|
|
12 eggs, large |
155 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes |
175 |
|
|
500g (16 oz.) of local cheese |
380 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples |
130 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes |
48 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of rice |
95 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of onions |
55 |
|
|
0.5L (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket |
75 |
|
|
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality |
590 |
|
|
2 liters of Coca-Cola |
140 |
|
|
Bread for 2 people for 1 day |
42 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of beef |
720 |
|
|
🎉 Entertainment & Leisure |
Basic dinner for two in a neighborhood pub |
1,500 |
|
|
2 tickets to the movies |
580 |
|
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) |
4,200 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant |
2,800 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink in a downtown club |
430 |
|
|
Cappuccino in an expat area |
175 |
|
|
1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500ml) |
220 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB |
54,000 |
|
|
1-minute prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) |
2.90 |
|
|
1-month gym membership in the business district |
2,600 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
195 |
|
|
🚇 Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), new |
2,150,000 |
|
|
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas |
54 |
|
Monthly public transport pass |
1,700 |
|
|
One-way bus or metro ticket |
45 – 55 |
|
|
Taxi fare per km |
18 – 38 |
|
|
🛍️ Clothing & Footwear |
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) |
5,500 |
|
|
1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, or similar) |
2,900 |
|
1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent) |
7,200 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
6,700 |
|
|
💊 Personal Care & Healthcare |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, etc.) |
290 |
|
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
480 |
|
Short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes) |
1,400 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, etc.) |
330 |
|
|
Deodorant (roll-on, 50ml) |
240 |
|
|
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400ml) |
220 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
120 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
135 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area |
480 |
Summary of the Cost of Living in Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod is an affordable and comfortable city with a lower cost of living than Moscow or Saint Petersburg. Housing, transportation, and entertainment are budget-friendly, while dining and groceries remain inexpensive. The city offers a high quality of life with great cultural attractions at a reasonable cost.
5. Yekaterinburg (Population: 1.4 million)
Yekaterinburg, Russia's fourth-largest city, is a major cultural and industrial hub located in the Ural Mountains. With a population of 1.4 million, it offers a moderate cost of living compared to Moscow and Saint Petersburg, while still providing a high standard of urban life.
|
Category |
Item |
Price (₽) |
|
🏠 Housing |
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (expensive area) |
60,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (normal area) |
40,000 |
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for two people (85 m²) |
7,200 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (expensive area) |
32,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (normal area) |
22,500 |
|
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for one person (45 m²) |
5,100 |
|
|
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps, monthly) |
800 |
|
|
40” flat-screen TV |
21,000 |
|
|
Microwave (800/900W, Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, etc.) |
7,500 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3 liters / ~100 oz.) |
500 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
900 |
|
|
🍽️ Food & Groceries |
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district |
450 |
|
|
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) |
320 |
|
500g (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast |
200 |
|
|
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk |
75 |
|
|
12 eggs, large |
160 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes |
190 |
|
|
500g (16 oz.) of local cheese |
400 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples |
140 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes |
50 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of rice |
100 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of onions |
55 |
|
|
0.5L (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket |
85 |
|
|
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality |
620 |
|
|
2 liters of Coca-Cola |
150 |
|
|
Bread for 2 people for 1 day |
45 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of beef |
750 |
|
|
🎉 Entertainment & Leisure |
Basic dinner for two in a neighborhood pub |
1,600 |
|
|
2 tickets to the movies |
600 |
|
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) |
4,500 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant |
3,000 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink in a downtown club |
450 |
|
|
Cappuccino in an expat area |
180 |
|
|
1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500ml) |
230 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB |
56,000 |
|
|
1-minute prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) |
3.00 |
|
|
1-month gym membership in the business district |
2,800 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
200 |
|
|
🚇 Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), new |
2,350,000 |
|
|
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas |
55 |
|
Monthly public transport pass |
1,800 |
|
|
One-way bus or metro ticket |
50 – 60 |
|
|
Taxi fare per km |
20 – 40 |
|
|
🛍️ Clothing & Footwear |
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) |
5,800 |
|
|
1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, or similar) |
3,000 |
|
1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent) |
7,500 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
7,000 |
|
|
💊 Personal Care & Healthcare |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, etc.) |
300 |
|
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
500 |
|
Short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes) |
1,600 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, etc.) |
340 |
|
|
Deodorant (roll-on, 50ml) |
250 |
|
|
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400ml) |
230 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
130 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
140 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area |
500 |
Summary of the Cost of Living in Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg offers a moderate cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking for urban life without the high expenses of Moscow. Housing, transportation, and groceries are reasonably priced, while entertainment and dining provide a balance between affordability and quality.
6. Novosibirsk (Population: 1.6 million)
Novosibirsk, the third-largest city in Russia, is a major cultural, industrial, and scientific hub in Siberia. With a population of 1.6 million, it offers a lower cost of living compared to Moscow and Saint Petersburg, making it an attractive destination for residents and expats looking for affordability without sacrificing urban amenities.
|
Category |
Item |
Price (₽) |
|
🏠 Housing |
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (expensive area) |
55,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (normal area) |
38,000 |
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for two people (85 m²) |
6,800 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (expensive area) |
30,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (normal area) |
20,000 |
|
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for one person (45 m²) |
4,900 |
|
|
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps, monthly) |
750 |
|
|
40” flat-screen TV |
20,500 |
|
|
Microwave (800/900W, Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, etc.) |
7,000 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3 liters / ~100 oz.) |
480 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
850 |
|
|
🍽️ Food & Groceries |
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district |
420 |
|
|
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) |
300 |
|
500g (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast |
190 |
|
|
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk |
72 |
|
|
12 eggs, large |
150 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes |
180 |
|
|
500g (16 oz.) of local cheese |
380 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples |
130 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes |
48 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of rice |
95 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of onions |
50 |
|
|
0.5L (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket |
80 |
|
|
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality |
600 |
|
|
2 liters of Coca-Cola |
145 |
|
|
Bread for 2 people for 1 day |
42 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of beef |
720 |
|
|
🎉 Entertainment & Leisure |
Basic dinner for two in a neighborhood pub |
1,500 |
|
|
2 tickets to the movies |
580 |
|
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) |
4,200 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant |
2,900 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink in a downtown club |
430 |
|
|
Cappuccino in an expat area |
175 |
|
|
1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500ml) |
220 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB |
55,000 |
|
|
1-minute prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) |
2.80 |
|
|
1-month gym membership in the business district |
2,600 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
195 |
|
|
🚇 Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), new |
2,280,000 |
|
|
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas |
54 |
|
Monthly public transport pass |
1,700 |
|
|
One-way bus or metro ticket |
45 – 55 |
|
|
Taxi fare per km |
18 – 35 |
|
|
🛍️ Clothing & Footwear |
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) |
5,500 |
|
|
1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, or similar) |
2,900 |
|
1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent) |
7,200 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
6,800 |
|
|
💊 Personal Care & Healthcare |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, etc.) |
290 |
|
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
480 |
|
Short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes) |
1,550 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, etc.) |
330 |
|
|
Deodorant (roll-on, 50ml) |
240 |
|
|
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400ml) |
220 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
125 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
135 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area |
480 |
💰 Summary of the Cost of Living in Novosibirsk
Novosibirsk provides an affordable lifestyle with lower housing and food prices compared to Russia’s largest cities. Public transport is cheap, and dining out is more budget-friendly than in Moscow. While entertainment and imported goods can still be costly, the city remains a cost-effective option for residents and expats alike.
7. Rostov-on-Don (Population: 1.1 million)
Rostov-on-Don, a major port city in southern Russia, serves as an important cultural and economic hub. With a population of 1.1 million, the city offers a moderate cost of living, making it an attractive place for those looking for an affordable yet lively urban environment.
|
Category |
Item |
Price (₽) |
|
🏠 Housing |
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (expensive area) |
52,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (normal area) |
35,000 |
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for two people (85 m²) |
6,200 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (expensive area) |
28,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (normal area) |
19,000 |
|
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for one person (45 m²) |
4,500 |
|
|
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps, monthly) |
730 |
|
|
40” flat-screen TV |
19,800 |
|
|
Microwave (800/900W, Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, etc.) |
6,900 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3 liters / ~100 oz.) |
470 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
820 |
|
|
🍽️ Food & Groceries |
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district |
400 |
|
|
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) |
290 |
|
500g (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast |
185 |
|
|
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk |
70 |
|
|
12 eggs, large |
145 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes |
175 |
|
|
500g (16 oz.) of local cheese |
370 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples |
125 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes |
45 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of rice |
92 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of onions |
48 |
|
|
0.5L (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket |
75 |
|
|
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality |
580 |
|
|
2 liters of Coca-Cola |
140 |
|
|
Bread for 2 people for 1 day |
40 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of beef |
700 |
|
|
🎉 Entertainment & Leisure |
Basic dinner for two in a neighborhood pub |
1,450 |
|
|
2 tickets to the movies |
550 |
|
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) |
4,000 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant |
2,850 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink in a downtown club |
420 |
|
|
Cappuccino in an expat area |
170 |
|
|
1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500ml) |
210 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB |
54,000 |
|
|
1-minute prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) |
2.70 |
|
|
1-month gym membership in the business district |
2,500 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
190 |
|
|
🚇 Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), new |
2,200,000 |
|
|
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas |
53 |
|
Monthly public transport pass |
1,650 |
|
|
One-way bus or metro ticket |
40 – 50 |
|
|
Taxi fare per km |
17 – 30 |
|
|
🛍️ Clothing & Footwear |
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) |
5,300 |
|
|
1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, or similar) |
2,800 |
|
1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent) |
7,000 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
6,500 |
|
|
💊 Personal Care & Healthcare |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, etc.) |
280 |
|
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
460 |
|
Short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes) |
1,500 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, etc.) |
320 |
|
|
Deodorant (roll-on, 50ml) |
230 |
|
|
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400ml) |
215 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
120 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
130 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area |
460 |
💰 Summary of the Cost of Living in Rostov-on-Don
Rostov-on-Don offers an affordable cost of living compared to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Housing, groceries, and transportation are reasonably priced, while entertainment and dining remain budget-friendly. The city provides a comfortable urban lifestyle without the high costs of Russia’s largest metropolises.
8. Chelyabinsk (Population: 1.1 million)
Chelyabinsk, an industrial city in the Ural region, is known for its affordable cost of living and strong manufacturing economy. With a population of 1.1 million, it offers lower housing and transportation costs than larger Russian cities.
|
Category |
Item |
Price (₽) |
|
🏠 Housing |
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (expensive area) |
45,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (normal area) |
28,500 |
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for two people (85 m²) |
5,800 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (expensive area) |
24,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (normal area) |
17,000 |
|
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for one person (45 m²) |
4,200 |
|
|
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps, monthly) |
690 |
|
|
40” flat-screen TV |
18,500 |
|
|
Microwave (800/900W, Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, etc.) |
6,300 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3 liters / ~100 oz.) |
450 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
780 |
|
|
🍽️ Food & Groceries |
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district |
370 |
|
|
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) |
275 |
|
500g (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast |
180 |
|
|
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk |
68 |
|
|
12 eggs, large |
140 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes |
165 |
|
|
500g (16 oz.) of local cheese |
350 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples |
120 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes |
40 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of rice |
85 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of onions |
45 |
|
|
0.5L (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket |
70 |
|
|
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality |
550 |
|
|
2 liters of Coca-Cola |
130 |
|
|
Bread for 2 people for 1 day |
38 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of beef |
680 |
|
|
🎉 Entertainment & Leisure |
Basic dinner for two in a neighborhood pub |
1,350 |
|
|
2 tickets to the movies |
500 |
|
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) |
3,800 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant |
2,750 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink in a downtown club |
400 |
|
|
Cappuccino in an expat area |
165 |
|
|
1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500ml) |
200 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB |
52,000 |
|
|
1-minute prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) |
2.60 |
|
|
1-month gym membership in the business district |
2,400 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
185 |
|
|
🚇 Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), new |
2,150,000 |
|
|
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas |
52 |
|
Monthly public transport pass |
1,500 |
|
|
One-way bus or metro ticket |
35 – 45 |
|
|
Taxi fare per km |
15 – 28 |
|
|
🛍️ Clothing & Footwear |
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) |
5,000 |
|
|
1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, or similar) |
2,700 |
|
1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent) |
6,800 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
6,000 |
|
|
💊 Personal Care & Healthcare |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, etc.) |
270 |
|
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
440 |
|
Short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes) |
1,400 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, etc.) |
310 |
|
|
Deodorant (roll-on, 50ml) |
220 |
|
|
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400ml) |
210 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
115 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
125 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area |
450 |
💰 Summary of the Cost of Living in Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk offers one of the lowest costs of living among Russia’s major cities. Rent, transportation, and groceries are highly affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious residents. While entertainment and dining are cheaper than in Moscow or Saint Petersburg, the city lacks some of the cosmopolitan amenities of Russia’s larger urban centers.
9. Omsk (Population: 1.2 million)
Omsk, a major city in southwestern Siberia, is known for its affordable housing, low transportation costs, and reasonable grocery prices. With a population of 1.2 million, it provides a cost-effective lifestyle compared to Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Here’s the structured table for Omsk's cost of living:
Cost of Living in Omsk, Russia
|
Category |
Item |
Price (₽) |
|
🏠 Housing |
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (expensive area) |
42,500 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 85 m² (900 sqft) furnished accommodation (normal area) |
27,000 |
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for two people (85 m²) |
5,500 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (expensive area) |
22,500 |
|
|
Monthly rent for 45 m² (480 sqft) furnished studio (normal area) |
16,500 |
|
|
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for one person (45 m²) |
4,000 |
|
|
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps, monthly) |
670 |
|
|
40” flat-screen TV |
17,800 |
|
|
Microwave (800/900W, Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, etc.) |
6,000 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3 liters / ~100 oz.) |
440 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
750 |
|
|
🍽️ Food & Groceries |
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district |
360 |
|
|
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) |
270 |
|
500g (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast |
175 |
|
|
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk |
65 |
|
|
12 eggs, large |
138 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes |
160 |
|
|
500g (16 oz.) of local cheese |
340 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples |
115 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes |
38 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of rice |
80 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of onions |
42 |
|
|
0.5L (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket |
68 |
|
|
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality |
530 |
|
|
2 liters of Coca-Cola |
125 |
|
|
Bread for 2 people for 1 day |
35 |
|
|
1 kg (2 lb.) of beef |
660 |
|
|
🎉 Entertainment & Leisure |
Basic dinner for two in a neighborhood pub |
1,300 |
|
|
2 tickets to the movies |
490 |
|
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) |
3,700 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant |
2,700 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink in a downtown club |
390 |
|
|
Cappuccino in an expat area |
160 |
|
|
1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500ml) |
195 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB |
51,500 |
|
|
1-minute prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) |
2.50 |
|
|
1-month gym membership in the business district |
2,300 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
180 |
|
|
🚇 Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), new |
2,120,000 |
|
|
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas |
51 |
|
Monthly public transport pass |
1,450 |
|
|
One-way bus or metro ticket |
32 – 40 |
|
|
Taxi fare per km |
14 – 25 |
|
|
🛍️ Clothing & Footwear |
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) |
4,900 |
|
|
1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, or similar) |
2,600 |
|
1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent) |
6,700 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
5,800 |
|
|
💊 Personal Care & Healthcare |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, etc.) |
260 |
|
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
430 |
|
Short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes) |
1,350 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, etc.) |
305 |
|
|
Deodorant (roll-on, 50ml) |
215 |
|
|
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400ml) |
205 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
110 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
120 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area |
440 |
💰 Summary of the Cost of Living in Omsk
Omsk is one of Russia's most affordable large cities, with low housing, transport, and grocery costs. Public services and entertainment options are cheaper than in Moscow, making it an ideal city for cost-conscious residents. However, the climate is harsh, and salaries tend to be lower compared to Moscow and Saint Petersburg.