In general, foreigners’ lives in Russia are pleasant; even in large cities like Moscow, costs like food and power bills are not too high. Prices are much lower outside of the big cities, with reduced costs for both food and transportation. The cost of living in Russia is mostly determined by your way of life. Moscow is the most expensive city in Europe in terms of wages, according to many polls, yet it is still feasible to live comfortably as an expat.
Housing expenses in Russia
Purchasing and leasing real estate is seen as:
Cost of rentals
In Russia, there are two types of lodging options: homes outside of cities or flats within. In this country, especially in Moscow, renting may be both competitive and costly. Many city flats are located in tall buildings that share a stairwell, entryway, and, with any luck, an elevator. A one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Moscow costs between 50,000 and 100,000 rubles, according to Numbeo. Meanwhile, costs outside of the city core average 40,000 p. You should budget around 145,000 for a three-bedroom flat in Moscow city center, or 75,000 for one in the suburbs.
Buying property
You could think about purchasing a house if you’re going to be living in Russia permanently. In the heart of Moscow, the cost per square meter is around 670,000 p.; elsewhere, it is 225,000. In the meanwhile, other cities have far lower pricing. For 115,000 for each square meter, you could buy a loft in the city area of Nizhny Novgorod, for example. In Russia, you may regularly get up to 80% of the selling cost of a house, and your home loan installment can’t be over 35% of your take-home salary.
Russian utility bills
Russia has among of the lowest power rates in the world; in March 2022, a KWh is expected to cost 4.81 cents. in this country. For an apartment of 85 square meters, the monthly utility expenditures come out to around 8,500 p. according to Numbeo. These expenses include waste, heating, water, and electricity. In Russia, most heating is centralized, meaning that units are heated in the fall and then again in the spring. Since most apartments lack thermostats, you are unable to regulate the temperature inside. A modest price is added to your utility bills for this heating.
Telecommunication
In principle, you might watch the TV free of charge in this nation, however, you’ll have to pursue a cable or satellite membership if you need a more extensive choice of stations. One provider gives yearly bundles that reach from 1,500 p. to 7,000 p. and also incorporate worldwide TV programs and films. In Russia, there are several internet service providers. For instance, MTS charges 500–990 pesos per month, depending on the speed, for residential internet service. Furthermore, a lot of companies bundle internet, phone, and TV into one package.
Medical expenses
Although Russia offers free healthcare to its citizens, it is known to be poorly financed, chaotic, and challenging to use. Furthermore, the scope of mandatory health insurance may be restricted. In light of this, a lot of foreigners choose to get private health insurance in this country. A lot of employers include health insurance in their benefits packages. Keep in mind that purchasing your private health insurance might go into the several thousand euros per year range. For further information, see our guide on health insurance in Russia. Additionally, foreigners will need to have regular health exams starting in 2021. They cost between 4,200 and 6,600 pesos and occur every three months to a year.
Education
There are several international schools in this country where foreigners may enroll their kids. Some foreigners, meanwhile, like the nearby Russian elementary schools. Though local schools solely provide instruction in Russian, the quality of education is outstanding. In Russia, public schools are free for all residents, including foreigners. There are several foreign schools in Saint Petersburg and Moscow. The American or British systems serve as the foundation for the majority of these schools’ curricula, although there are also French, Russian, and method schools. For instance, depending on the grade your kid is in, the British School in Moscow costs 1,700,000–3,300,000p. annually. There are many colleges accessible in Russia. The quality of schooling is very high: 10 of its colleges are positioned in the top 400 on the planet, and 27 of its institutions are included in the 2019 QS World College Rankings. A four-year college education or a five-year specific degree are choices presented by several institutions. The cost of a university education varies in Russia depending on the institution and the degree program.
Groceries
Although inexpensive stores are widely available across Russia, there are differences in quality. Supermarket vegetable counters are noticeably empty in the winter, and imported goods might be expensive. Most locals and foreigners alike begin to shop in numerous locations for different things as a result of their ongoing search for well-known brands.
Restaurants
Russia’s major cities have a huge selection of restaurants. You may sample traditional dishes from Korea and Central Asia, as well as Russian, Ukrainian, and Caucasian cuisines. A three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant may cost up to 3,000 p. per person, whereas a meal at a budget restaurant costs around 800 p. per person.
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