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

Electric train at the platform of the Belorussky Railway Station

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.