How Much Does It Cost to Live In Russia?
Russia is the largest country in the world, stretching through Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, and covering more than one-eighth of the Earth’s inhabited land area.
Of course, the fact that the country is so big means that the cost of living will vary greatly depending on where you want to live, and how.
For instance, there are many small cities and villages in Russia, that have their own grown food and crops, and people there save significant amounts of money.
However, for a decent life in such big cities as Moscow or St. Petersburg, you will need 1,000$ or more per month.
Russia : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Big cities in Russia like Saint Petersburg and Moscow offer sophisticated, world-class dining, but you can also eat for less money – and eat well – without going to the many western fast food chains that have opened up.
Russians have their own versions of fast food restaurants where you can eat for only 9$.
Mixed alcoholic beverages and beers at nightclubs are costly.
MARKETS
As for grocery shopping, you could go to Billa which is a bit more expensive than the others as well as Perekrestok.
As for fresh fruits and vegetables, you can always buy them at one of the open markets that pop up daily all throughout the country.
It’s always fresh, and usually much cheaper than the produce in supermarkets.
TRANSPORTATION
Public transport has been massively neglected; therefore, you can see overbooked trains and buses with people crammed in a small space, which is considered a norm.
Car rental and petrol/gas, if you own a private vehicle, are relatively cheap and definitely affordable for international tourists.
But the driving culture is not at a high level even though it’s cheap.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities in Russia are very cheap and for an apartment of 85m2 all essential utilities, including electricity, gas, garbage services, heating, and cooling cost around 111$.
Calls to landlines from mobile phones are more expensive than calls to other mobile phones.
The coverage is good in urban areas and the tariffs are some of the cheapest in the world.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Russia is a country filled with natural predispositions that offer numerous chances for practicing sports outside.
You can go hiking, jogging, walking and doing many other activities.
However, if you’re more of an indoor type of person, you can exercise in a gym or a fitness club for around 36$ fee a month.
As for other types of leisure, there are theaters and cinemas throughout the country, and a ticket for a cinema costs around 5$.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Russia is filled with gorgeous shopping malls, like the Moscow GUM — one of the world’s most beautiful, right on Red Square.
As for the prices, they aren’t low but they aren’t through the roof either.
You can buy a pair of quality jeans for around 80$, while a pair of running shoes from brands like Nike costs about 100$.
RENT PER MONTH
Rent isn’t too expensive, but it largely depends on where you want to live and the size of the apartment you’re renting.
It also depends on the particular city you want to live in.
If you’re looking for an apartment in the center of any major city, it will cost you around 460$.
However, if you have your eye on any Russian suburbs, the price will drop to around 270$.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Russia
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $8.67 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.11 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.51 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.08 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.65 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.47 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.45 |
| Monthly Pass | $30.98 |
| Gasoline | $0.72 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $111.00 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.03 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $7.46 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $35.61 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $20.75 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $4.93 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $79.66 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $48.84 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $100.45 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $459.73 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $275.73 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $861.04 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Russia?
Like in most countries, the people of Russia spend most of their incomes on food and groceries.
The second biggest expense for the people living in Russia is rent, which is expected since rent is a big financial burden for any home.
Restaurants are in third place on the list of most significant expenses here, and this makes sense too since many people eat there every day, three times a day.
Transportation is also a significant financial burden for everyone since it has to be paid for, whether you use your private car or public transport.
Apparel is the least of all expenses, like in most countries.
Average Costs Breakdown
Russia: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The average salary in Russia is relatively low, considering the rent and the prices of utilities, transportation, and other expenses.
With an average monthly income of around 680$ you can cover all basic expenses, but you can’t save up or indulge in experiences and adventures like traveling.
The minimum wage in Russia is around 212.6$ and, though this isn’t staggeringly low, it definitely isn’t enough to cover all basic needs.
Hence, the situation in Russia, when it comes to salaries isn’t really great.
The good thing, though, is that in large cities of Russia, you can find a good job much more accessible than in many other capitals and large cities around the world.
Russia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Russia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Russia
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Chelyabinsk | 37.29 |
| Kaliningrad | 35.4 |
| Kazan | 33.67 |
| Krasnodar | 32.37 |
| Moscow | 44.54 |
| Nizhny Novgorod | 34.04 |
| Novosibirsk | 33.65 |
| Rostov-na-donu | 32.4 |
| Saint Petersburg | 39.25 |
| Samara | 35.96 |
| Voronezh | 31.74 |
| Yekaterinburg | 36.41 |
TOO low salary