How Much Does It Cost to Live In Ukraine?
“What is a cost of living in Ukraine?”
This is the question that only those interested in relocating to Ukraine would ask.
It is difficult to determine the cost of living in any country, but according to some collected data, you can get enough information and compare it to your home country so as know what to change when planning your budget.
If that question appeared in your mind, it is advisable to make sure what amount of money is necessary to stay in this country.
Ukraine : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Eating out in one of the top restaurants in Ukraine would not certainly benefit your budget.
However, it is still possible to have occasional meals without causing so much trouble to your budget, if you choose inexpensive restaurants which serve decent meals at the price of $5.41.
MARKETS
Everyday groceries can be found in supermarkets, but keep in mind that they are slightly expensive places for daily shopping, so purchasing less expensive food is possible at local markets.
Shopping in the big supermarkets offers you a chance of getting goods at discounted prices.
TRANSPORTATION
If you want to buy a car and drive in Ukraine, that would be expensive due to the high car prices, as well as expensive gasoline.
A taxi ride is $2, or you can use a metro ride which is approximately $0.27 per ride.
Public transportation is a bargain, even though the gasoline is pricey.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Obviously, the utilities prices will vary from season to season, as the heating will increase the cost of bills.
On the other hand, Internet access is so inexpensive, that you get unlimited data for just $4.5 per month.
In general, services are not too expensive in Ukraine.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Entertainment is an important part of people’s lives and there are many festivals and other events around Ukraine, usually at quite affordable prices.
Movies are also inexpensive, and sports people would be satisfied with the fact that fitness clubs and gyms are affordable, too.
CLOTHING & SHOES
To learn the cost of living in Ukraine is an important step for all foreigners, but when it comes to clothing, this is not an essential category, so not much attention is paid.
However, people in Ukraine spend a pretty high amount of money on it, which is not the case in other countries, thus impacting the higher prices.
RENT PER MONTH
You can assume that every apartment that is not in the center of any Ukrainian city is going to be cheaper than the one in the main areas.
The difference might be around $100 for the same size and quality apartment.
If you have a big family, you will need quite above the average salary to pay for the rent here.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Ukraine
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.41 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $0.95 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.40 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $0.88 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.57 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.44 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.27 |
| Monthly Pass | $8.79 |
| Gasoline | $1.13 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $83.43 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.03 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $4.64 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $18.77 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $9.29 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $3.38 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $45.9 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $30.97 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $67.60 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $316.18 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $210.14 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $546.27 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Ukraine?
The cost of living in Ukraine when it comes to accommodation will be your main concern and it will increase the overall costs.
Foreigners will have to devote much money to rent, which is not the case for Ukrainians who possess their own properties.
One of the greatest expenses is transportation, no matter if you choose to drive or take public transport.
It is interesting to note that Ukrainians spend more money on clothing than on entertainment.
Average Costs Breakdown
Ukraine: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The best way of really getting an idea of the cost of living in Ukraine is when you arrive there, but it is a good idea to get some raw numbers related to your possible salary and expenses.
If they do not match, it would be difficult to survive anywhere in the world, and the minimum wage here is so low that would not be enough for any of the basic expenses.
As a newcomer, you will have to pay the rent, if your monthly salary is the average one, you will not be able to provide for it.
Ukraine Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Ukraine Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Cost of Living by City in Ukraine
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Dnipro | 27.96 |
| Kharkiv | 26.71 |
| Kiev | 29.42 |
| Lviv | 27.24 |
| Odessa | 30.13 |
| Sumy | 23.84 |
