Cost of Living in Chisinau, Moldova

Are you considering a move to Chisinau, Moldova, and wondering about the cost of living? Chisinau is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Chisinau and help you understand whether $1400 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $544.91.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Chisinau, Moldova
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

7.2 $

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

33.83 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6.2 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.41 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.97 $

Cappuccino (regular)

1.6 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.83 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.62 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.11 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.52 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.59 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.41 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

10.35 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

5.23 $

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

7.97 $

Apples (1 lb)

0.78 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.77 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.65 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.92 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.66 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.74 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.42 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.74 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

5.64 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.11 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.8 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.54 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.34 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

13.19 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.83 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.28 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

3.38 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.55 $

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

16971.8 $

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

20430.07 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

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

222.15 $

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

--

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

10.23 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

40.36 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

21.35 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

6.77 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

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

345.59 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

3717.96 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

53.48 $

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

39.05 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

95.25 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

113.73 $

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Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

396.01 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

289.86 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

734.58 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

573.16 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1413.76 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

997.46 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

544.91 $

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

13.93 %

Cost of Living in Chisinau, Moldova

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Chisinau?

The monthly expenses for living in Chisinau come to a total of approximately $1400. This includes an average monthly rent of around $396 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $227 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $404 per month.

How affordable is living in Chisinau?

Living in Chisinau appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $544.91. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Chisinau, you would likely need an income exceeding $544.91.

What is the average salary in Chisinau?

In Chisinau, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $544.91, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Chisinau?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Chisinau is approximately $396. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $289.86 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Chisinau?

The expense for groceries in Chisinau can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $342 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Moldova?

The cost of living in Moldova can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Moldova.

Chisinau, Moldova

How Safe Is Chisinau, Moldova for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Chisinau, Moldova

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The city is safe enough day and night. Although at night it is recommended not to sit up in bars and not to walk along dimly lit streets, especially if you have a drink. It is always better to carry a photocopy of documents with you. Keep track of your personal belongings and use common sense throughout your trip.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport is safe to travel but beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded buses. Taxi is secure, but do not catch the car from the street. It is better to take a licensed taxi or call from the application on your phone. Make sure that the price of the trip is agreed in advance or a cab with a taximeter.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There are many pickpockets in Chisinau, but if you watch your things and are careful in a crowd of people, this crime will not affect you. Pickpockets often wield in pairs and try to distract you so that another will pull out your wallet. Do not carry a lot of cash and jewelry.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Chisinau is exposed to many natural hazards, including droughts, early frost onset, earthquakes, floods, hail storms, and landslides, and severe weather patterns. Learn the current situation with this risk before your trip to this city.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Armed severe robberies are rare in Chisinau, but be careful. Most dangerous can be in areas remote from the center and in poorly lit streets. Be vigilant with those who offer you drinks at the bar; sometimes, by throwing a drug into your glass, the criminal will rudely rob you.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Moldova, attacks can’t be ruled out. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those visited by foreigners.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

ATM scams have hit the country, with travelers reporting unauthorized transactions, most likely from skimming devices and hidden cameras stealing pins. Some travelers advise never using an ATM on the street, to get money from the ATMs inside banks instead. Sometimes email and SMS fraud also occur to trick your card details.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women in Chisinau can quickly move around without feeling dangerous. However, it is not recommended to walk alone at night. It is also better to use a taxi to return to your hotel. And don't wear defiant clothes.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

The Government of the Republic of Moldova allows citizens of specific countries to visit Moldova for tourism or business purposes without having to obtain a visa, often based on bilateral agreements. Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa from the embassy of their residence country or online eVisa.

currency_exchange

Currency

The leu is the official currency of Moldova. It has a sign: L, and code: MDL. The Moldovan leu (plural: lei) is subdivided into 100 bani (singular: ban). The name of the currency originates from a Romanian word, which means "lion."

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Weather

The best times to visit Chisinau for ideal weather are mid-April to October. The average temperatures in Chisinau vary drastically, and the weather feels cold for about half of the year and otherwise excellent with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year.

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Airports

Chisinau International Airport is Moldova's main international airport, located 13 km southeast of the center of Chisinau, the capital city. It serves as headquarters for Air Moldova, the country's national airline.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Chisinau, Moldova

What about weather in Chisinau, Moldova ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 34°F 37°F 47°F 60°F 71°F 77°F 81°F 80°F 71°F 59°F 45°F 37°F
Temp 29°F 31°F 40°F 52°F 62°F 69°F 73°F 72°F 62°F 51°F 40°F 32°F
Low 24°F 26°F 33°F 43°F 52°F 59°F 63°F 61°F 53°F 44°F 35°F 27°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 1°C 2°C 8°C 15°C 21°C 25°C 27°C 26°C 21°C 15°C 7°C 2°C
Temp -1°C 0°C 4°C 11°C 16°C 20°C 22°C 22°C 16°C 10°C 4°C 0°C
Low -4°C -3°C 0°C 6°C 11°C 15°C 17°C 16°C 11°C 6°C 1°C -2°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Moldova with Chisinau

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries