Cost to live in Russia
The cost of living in Russia as a foreigner can vary significantly depending on factors such as the city you live in, your lifestyle choices, and your personal needs. Moscow and St. Petersburg, the two largest cities, are the most expensive places to live, while smaller cities or rural areas tend to have a lower cost of living. Below is a breakdown of the various living expenses you might encounter as a foreigner in Russia.
1. Housing and Rent
Housing is one of the largest expenses for foreigners living in Russia, especially in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- Rent in Major Cities:
- Moscow: The cost of renting an apartment in Moscow can vary widely depending on the area. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around 50,000 to 80,000 rubles per month ($650 to $1,000). If you choose to live in the outskirts, rent can drop to around 30,000 to 50,000 rubles per month ($400 to $650) for a one-bedroom apartment.
- St. Petersburg: Rent in St. Petersburg is generally lower than in Moscow. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will typically cost around 40,000 to 70,000 rubles per month ($500 to $900). Outside of the center, you can find rentals for as low as 25,000 to 40,000 rubles per month ($300 to $500).
- Smaller Cities and Rural Areas: Rent in smaller cities and rural areas is considerably cheaper. In places like Volgograd or Kazan, a one-bedroom apartment can cost as low as 15,000 to 30,000 rubles per month ($200 to $400).
- Buying Property:
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: The price for buying an apartment in Moscow can range from 100,000 to 300,000 rubles per square meter ($1,300 to $4,000), depending on the location and condition of the property. In St. Petersburg, the prices are generally lower, ranging from 70,000 to 150,000 rubles per square meter ($900 to $2,000).
- Other Cities: In smaller cities, the cost of buying property is much more affordable. For example, in cities like Volgograd, you can expect prices to be around 30,000 to 50,000 rubles per square meter ($400 to $650).
2. Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, and Garbage)
The cost of utilities in Russia is generally affordable but can vary depending on the size of the apartment and the city.
- Monthly Utility Bills: For a one-bedroom apartment, utilities typically cost around 4,000 to 6,000 rubles per month ($50 to $80), including electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection. In larger apartments, these bills can rise to 8,000 to 12,000 rubles per month ($100 to $150).
3. Food and Groceries
Groceries in Russia are generally inexpensive compared to Western countries, especially for locally sourced products.
- Supermarket Costs:
- A gallon of milk: 70 to 100 rubles ($1 to $1.30)
- A loaf of bread: 30 to 60 rubles ($0.40 to $0.80)
- Eggs (12): 70 to 120 rubles ($1 to $1.50)
- Chicken breasts (1 kg): 250 to 350 rubles ($3 to $5)
- Rice (1 kg): 50 to 100 rubles ($0.70 to $1.30)
- Dining Out:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: 500 to 1,000 rubles per person ($6 to $13)
- Mid-range restaurant: A three-course meal for two people can cost around 2,000 to 4,000 rubles ($25 to $50).
- Coffee: A cup of coffee at a café generally costs around 150 to 250 rubles ($2 to $3).
4. Transportation
Public transportation in Russia is affordable and well-developed, especially in major cities.
- Public Transport:
- A monthly metro pass in Moscow costs around 2,000 to 2,500 rubles ($25 to $30).
- A single metro ride costs about 50 to 60 rubles ($0.70 to $0.80).
- In other cities, public transport fares are usually cheaper (around 30 to 50 rubles per ride).
- Taxi:
- A taxi ride within the city center costs around 300 to 500 rubles ($4 to $7) for a short trip.
- Ride-sharing services like Yandex.Taxi or Uber are also available at similar prices.
- Car Ownership:
- If you decide to drive in Russia, the cost of fuel is relatively inexpensive at around 45 to 55 rubles per liter ($0.60 to $0.70).
- Car insurance and maintenance are also affordable but can vary based on the make and model of the car.
5. Healthcare
Russia has a mixed healthcare system with both public and private options.
- Public Healthcare: Foreigners are not automatically covered by Russia’s public healthcare system, which is funded by taxes and offers basic care. If you are living in Russia long-term, you may need to get private health insurance.
- Private Healthcare: Private medical care is relatively affordable by Western standards. The cost of visiting a doctor or specialist is usually between 1,000 and 3,000 rubles ($13 to $40) per consultation. Major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have high-quality private hospitals and clinics, where prices for treatments can range from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles ($40 to $130) for more specialized care.
6. Education
For families with children, the cost of education can vary based on the type of school.
- Public Schools: Public schooling is free for residents and citizens. Foreign students may also attend public schools, but they may need to learn Russian to integrate fully.
- Private International Schools: International schools in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg are more expensive, with tuition fees ranging from 300,000 to 1,000,000 rubles per year ($4,000 to $13,000), depending on the school and grade level.
7. Miscellaneous Costs
- Internet and Mobile: The cost of internet and mobile phone services is generally affordable. Internet can cost around 400 to 700 rubles per month ($5 to $10), while a mobile phone plan with data and calling options can cost around 300 to 1,000 rubles per month ($4 to $13).
- Entertainment and Leisure:
- Cinema tickets typically cost 300 to 600 rubles ($4 to $8).
- A gym membership in a major city can range from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles per month ($20 to $65), depending on the type of gym.
Conclusion
In general, the cost of living in Russia can be quite affordable, especially in smaller cities or rural areas. Major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg tend to have higher living costs, particularly for housing, dining, and entertainment. However, Russia offers relatively low costs for everyday essentials such as food, transportation, and utilities, making it an attractive destination for foreigners.
If you’re planning to live in Russia long-term, you should budget for rent (especially in larger cities), utilities, groceries, and transportation. Healthcare and education expenses should also be considered, especially if you’re planning to use private services or send children to international schools.
Overall, the cost of living in Russia can be manageable, and many foreigners find that their expenses are significantly lower than in their home countries, especially when living outside the main metropolitan areas.