Cost of Living in Russia

If you've ever considered moving to Russia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Russia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Russia and whether the reported $1667 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $879.09.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Russia
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

10.87 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

45.84 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6.79 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.55 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.4 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.73 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.16 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.61 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.31 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.81 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.83 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.84 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

12.18 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

5.63 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

10.67 $

Apples (1 lb)

1.99 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.58 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.91 $

Tomato (1 lb)

3.0 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.01 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.84 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.42 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.8 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

10.19 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.2 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.29 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

3.23 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.59 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

35.65 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

2.04 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.34 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

6.11 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.87 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

42444.82 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

39433.55 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

134.43 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.04 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

8.72 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

41.67 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

26.1 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

5.94 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

401.7 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

7999.54 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

95.86 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

58.47 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

118.16 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

133.93 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

554.95 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

388.37 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1046.93 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

702.66 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

3382.16 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

2141.96 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

879.09 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

10.47 %

Russia

How Safe Is Russia for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Russia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Russia today is safe as much as other countries in Europe, despite its problematic history with criminal activity in the 90s. However, if you’re planning on traveling to Russia, keep in mind that you should avoid regions close to the Ukraine border, this is not recommended, because of the high level of risk and unstable situation in the region of Donetsk, Lugansk, and Kharkiv.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally speaking, transportation in Russia is safe, but you should bear in mind that kidnappings have been known to happen, mostly in unlicensed taxis, so be careful when hailing one on the streets. Keep in mind that the most dangerous areas where small crime tends to occur are the underground walkways, called “perekhods”. Only use official services like Yandex Taxi, Uber or Gett taxi.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is very common in Russia, and surprisingly it is mostly performed by groups of children. Pay attention to your belongings, don’t leave them in plain sight and be especially careful in crowded places like stations or near tourist attractions.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Russia isn’t particularly susceptible to natural disasters. Some blizzards are possible during winter which can cause affect the traffic and delay your flights. Also, in areas near Mongolia and Kazakhstan, earthquakes can happen sporadically.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Kidnappings for political reasons have happened in the North Caucasus, and there have been reports of foreigners being attacked there. Generally, never accept free drinks or food when you’re in a club or a bar. Drink spiking and then attacking and robbing the victim have been reported on numerous occasions.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Recent military interventions in Syria have caused high terrorism activity in the areas of Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, the south-east part of Stavropol bordering Chechnya, Gabardine-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus area), and Karachay-Cherkessia. Apart from that, terrorist attacks have recently taken place in St. Petersburg.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a world-known scam typical for Russia: scamming people through dating websites. When the victim gets to know a person from Russia via a dating website, and the relationship develops, the victim is asked by his/her (usually men are the victims here) partner to transfer some money to the country where the future partner lives, to make her/his trip to the victim’s country possible. After the money is transferred, the relationship ends. As for scams on the streets, you should avoid playing street gambling games.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are generally safe in Russia, though you should avoid finding yourself alone in clubs or bars, and of course, apply all normal precaution measures like avoiding remote and poorly lit streets and areas.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Russia, and if you’re a U.S. citizen you must possess both a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. None of the nationals that do need a visa can acquire one upon arrival, so make sure you apply for your visa in advance. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Russian ruble is the official currency in Russia. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted everywhere.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Russia has highly continental influenced climate characterized by warm to hot and dry summers and extremely cold, freezing winters with temperatures as low as -30°C – sometimes even lower, with heavy snowfall.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Sheremetyevo International Airport is Russian busiest international airport. It is located in Molzhaninovsky District, Northern Administrative Okrug, in Russia’s capital, Moscow, about 29 km northwest of central Moscow.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Russia, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Russia with other countries

Cost of living in countries