Updated:
If you've ever considered moving to Moldova, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Moldova?" 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 Moldova and whether the reported $997 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $395.77.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
6.11 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
25.46 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
4.25 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.27 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.65 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.32 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.69 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.5 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.85 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.37 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.09 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.62 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.32 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
3.95 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
5.76 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
0.62 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.28 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.18 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.47 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.49 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.4 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.93 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.57 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
3.56 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
0.84 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.35 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
2.04 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.29 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
11.92 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.53 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.22 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
3.06 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.47 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
15362.14 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
18444.63 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
130.51 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.08 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
8.74 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
20.58 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
9.65 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.09 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
262.09 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
3184.82 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
43.81 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
29.77 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
75.55 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
78.52 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
258.02 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
189.47 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
449.48 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
340.36 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1026.88 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
698.61 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
395.77 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
8.99 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 6.11 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 25.46 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.85 USD, a loaf of bread 0.37 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.62 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.29 USD and a monthly pass around 11.92 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 130.51 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 20.58 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 9.65 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 262.09 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 3184.82 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 43.81 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 75.55 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 258.02 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 189.47 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1026.88 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 698.61 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 395.77 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 8.99% annually.
Moldova
Overall, Moldova is a relatively safe country to visit. Not too popular with visitors, it is a country where tourism is only starting to develop. Moldova has its issues concerning crime rates and organized crime, but it is mainly safe and if you apply the basic precaution measures, you will minimize the chances of something going wrong.
The most reliable means of transportation is the bus - it will get you to most parts of the country. Chisinau is the main transportation hub for the country. There are three bus stations that serve every city and town in Moldova.The fastest form of transport is small minibusses which seat around 15 people. Larger buses also exist and are safer, because they travel at slower speeds.Be aware that taxis from the airport may charge more than originally expected. Tourist should only use official "yellow taxis" to avoid getting overcharged.
The biggest threat to travelers is petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. This generally occurs in the usual areas of risk like crowded city streets in Chisinau and on buses and trains. Some tourists have even reported items missing from accommodations, so use common sense and be wise when handling money.
Moldova is located in a seismically active area and small earth tremors can happen; they are recorded throughout the year without consequence. The last significant earthquake occurred in 1986, causing fatalities and damage to buildings.
It is known that some Moldovans dislike minorities and will verbally and sometimes physically harass them. Some tourists of other races have even reported being denied entrance into certain clubs and restaurants or harassment by the police. Violent theft is rare, and so is kidnapping but you should stay away from unlit parks and dark alleys when muggings could occur.
There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Moldova's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Watch out for taxi drivers and restaurant or bar staff overcharging you for everything. Negotiate everything in advance and never pay upfront. Always ask to see the menu prices in writing before ordering.ATM scams have also started happening with tourists reporting unauthorized transactions, most likely from skimming devices or hidden cameras stealing pins. The solution for this could be to never use an ATM on the street but to get your money from the ATM inside the bank.Unfortunately, police officers might also try to extort money from tourists. It's common for them to ask to see your passport; you can show it to them, but try to avoid handing it over. It might be expensive for you to get it back.
Moldova is not the safest option for solo female travelers. Use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid wearing purses and do not walk alone or ride in taxis at night.
Visas are no longer required to enter Moldova if you plan on staying less than 90 days. However, the authorities in Moldova have strict penalties (including deportation) against foreign visitors who overstay the terms of their visas. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Moldovan leu is the official currency in Moldova. Unfortunately, there are more and more ATM scams in the country, so it is best not to use ATMs on the street. Also, be careful when handling money on the street and exchange it in national banks, preferably.
The climate in Moldova has four distinct seasons: winters are cold and snowy, springs and autumns are mild, and summers are warm to hot.
Chișinău International Airport is Moldova's main international airport, located 13 km southeast of the center of Chișinău, the capital city.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Moldova, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.