Cost of Living in Ukraine

Updated: April 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Ukraine, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Ukraine?" 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 Ukraine and whether the reported $926 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $390.68.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Ukraine

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	5.38 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	20.19 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	3.5 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	0.94 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.35 $
Cappuccino (regular)	1.06 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.52 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.37 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	0.82 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	0.56 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.18 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.09 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	6.19 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	3.43 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	5.26 $
Apples (1 lb)	0.51 $
Banana (1 lb)	0.93 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.06 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.54 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.38 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.47 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.81 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.44 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	4.0 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	0.75 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.05 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	1.88 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.27 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	8.75 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	1.35 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.24 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	2.96 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.01 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	18064.06 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	16818.8 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	82.66 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.03 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	4.54 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	18.55 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	8.87 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	3.23 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	208.01 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	3921.46 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	44.02 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	29.83 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	65.5 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	73.92 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	296.6 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	198.5 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	545.39 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	339.37 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	1171.67 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	737.58 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	390.68 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	14.94 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 5.38 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 20.19 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.82 USD, a loaf of bread 0.56 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.09 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.27 USD and a monthly pass around 8.75 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 82.66 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 18.55 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 8.87 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 208.01 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 3921.46 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 44.02 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 65.5 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 296.6 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 198.5 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1171.67 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 737.58 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 390.68 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 14.94% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Ukraine

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Generally speaking, Ukraine is not too safe for visitors. It is a country where travelers aren't too common, but if you do visit, there are areas that should be avoided at all costs.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transportation is one of the most common places where you'll find pickpockets operating. Transport is generally safe, though you should keep in mind that most of the signs are written in Cyrillic letters.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are a serious issue in Ukraine, and it occurs everywhere so you should be careful particularly in crowded places, in tourist areas, in bars and nightclubs, and on public transportation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, what still represents the biggest issue in Ukraine is the legacy of the Chernobyl disaster. It is also susceptible to frequent flooding, freezing winters, storms, and mine disasters.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

As for violent crime, it has been on the rise in Central Kyiv, especially after dark. This includes muggings, and armed robbery, particularly in the larger cities.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Ukraine, and the authorities in Ukraine have announced that they have already disrupted numerous planned attacks, including in the capital, Kyiv.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Scamming is also an issue in Ukraine. There are famous scams over dating sites where the victims are asked to send money to their prospective date in order for the date to be able to leave Ukraine, and then after the money is sent, the relationship ends. Apart from online scams, be careful on the streets, keep an eye on your drink and check your change twice.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Ukraine is not a safe place for solo female travelers. Crime is widespread throughout the country and there is political turmoil as well as terrorism threats disrupting peace in the country. Do not go anywhere alone and avoid dark and deserted areas.

Cost of Living in Ukraine

Ukraine

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing