Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Russia

Before discussing the cost of living in Russia, it is essential to have a general overview of the country. The Russian Federation is the largest country in the world, located in Northern Eurasia. This vast country shares maritime borders with the Bering Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Black Sea. A part of Russia lies in Northern Asia, and the other part is located in Eastern Europe. As Russia is one of the world’s most powerful countries in politics, it strives to improve the reputation of its universities. For this reason, with the enhancement of the quality of education in its universities, many international students are eager to study in Russia. In addition to the credibility of its various universities, the cost of studying in Russia is also affordable. Due to the reasonable cost of education and living in Russia, many students and non-students choose to migrate to Russia. In this article, Elm Vira will provide comprehensive information about migration and the cost of living in Russia. Immigration to Russia Russia, with an area of 17 million square kilometers, is the largest country in the world. Located in Northern Asia and Eastern Europe, it has maritime borders with the Caspian Sea, the Bering Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Black Sea. Russia also shares land borders with 14 Asian and European countries. Compared to many European and American countries, the cost of living in Russia is affordable. On the other hand, the favorable conditions for studying, and working, and the cost of education in Russia have made this country increasingly popular. For this reason, immigration to Russia is a choice many students and others consider. Life in Russia Iran, located in Asia, shares both land and maritime borders with Russia. The conditions for studying, living, and the cost of living in Russia are more favorable compared to many other countries. Additionally, obtaining a Russian visa is not difficult. One can immigrate to Russia by registering a company or investing in the country. Due to the growth of Russia’s economy, a large number of international companies operate in the country. The economic changes in Russia have created new job opportunities, which in turn have increased immigration to Russia. Many foreign business professionals work in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. Additionally, many international students, considering the reputation of Russian universities and the possibility of obtaining a study permit, head to Russian universities. Which Cities Do Immigrants Choose? Those preparing to immigrate to Russia generally fall into two groups: 1. Business people and economic professionals, and 2. Students. For this reason, immigrants tend to settle in Russia’s large cities, where living standards, income, and facilities are higher. Cities like Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, and Vladivostok are among the most important cities where many business professionals reside. In addition to Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg, cities like Novosibirsk, which have international universities, are welcoming foreign students. Compared to major cities in many countries, the cost of living in Russia is affordable. Cost of Living in Russia: Daily Life For individuals planning to migrate to Russia for work, study, or residence, it is important to be aware of the living conditions and costs in the country. The first point to note is that Russia’s currency is the ruble, but for easier understanding, we will express the costs in dollars. For a single person, the cost of living in Russia is approximately $400–500 per month. This figure represents the average cost, and expenses can vary depending on the city of residence. For example, living costs in Moscow are higher than those in St. Petersburg. The monthly cost of living for a family of four, excluding rent, is around $1712. Below are the average prices of some basic goods in Russia. ItemCost (USD) Monthly utility bills (gas, electricity, water, etc.) $98 Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center $375 One liter of gasoline $0.61 Public transportation ticket $0.41 Taxi (per kilometer) $0.35 Eggs (12 pieces) $1.21 Bottled water (1.5 liters) $0.56 Milk (1 liter) $0.92 Chicken fillet (1 kg) $3.93 Beef (1 kg) $7.55 Sports shoes (one pair) $85.36 Jeans $68-75 Summer clothes (one set) $40-45 Leather men’s shoes $102 Internet costs $6.36 Meal at a mid-range restaurant $8 These prices are averages, and living costs in Russia depend on an individual’s lifestyle and the city of residence. Cost of Living in Russia: Rent One of the most important factors regarding the cost of living in Russia is housing costs. Rent prices in Russia depend on the city, type of apartment, and location. The number of rooms, whether the apartment is in the city center or outskirts, and other factors all directly influence rental costs. Below are the average monthly rent prices for various types of apartments in Russia. Apartment TypeLocationMonthly Rent Cost (USD) One-bedroom apartment City center $421 Three-bedroom apartment City Center $789 One-bedroom apartment Outskirts $289 Three-bedroom apartment Outskirts $525

Healthcare and Medical Services Costs Another important aspect of the cost of living in Russia is healthcare and medical services. Russia has a highly developed healthcare system. The cost of medical services depends on the type of treatment and the individual’s health condition. Below are the average costs for medical services in Russia: Medical ServicesCost (USD) Doctor’s consultation $3–5 Blood pressure measurement $1.13 Tooth filling $20–85 Ambulance services $11–122 Ultrasound $4–18 Tuition Fees in Russia After discussing the cost of living in Russia, let’s consider tuition fees. Many Russian universities have a long-standing history and are highly ranked globally in terms of education quality, modern facilities, and international recognition. Due to the affordable cost of education in Russia and the reputation of its universities, many international students choose to migrate to Russia for their higher education. Russian universities offer high-quality education, adhering to all international standards. Additionally, the academic and research collaboration of these universities with renowned institutions worldwide, the presence of international professors, and the opportunity to enter the European and American job markets are some of the major advantages of studying in Russia. One key aspect of studying abroad in Russia is the cost of education. Some universities in Russia offer scholarships to eligible students. These scholarships cover either part or all of the student’s tuition fees. Tuition fees in Russia depend on various factors such as the field of study, the university, whether it is public or private, and the level of education. For example, tuition fees in universities in Moscow are higher. Additionally, medical degrees in Russia are more expensive than other programs. Below is the average tuition fee for different levels of education: Degree LevelMinimum Tuition Fee (USD)Average Tuition Fee (USD)Maximum Tuition Fee (USD) Bachelor’s $1,750 $3,400–$3,700 $12,570 Master’s $2,100 $3,700–$4,000 $6,500 Doctorate $1,130 $4,000–$4,300 $5,900 Student Living Costs in Russia Another important factor in student migration to Russia is the cost of student life. The cost of living for students is generally lower than for regular residents in Russia. Students typically stay in dormitories, and there are also student discounts available for daily expenses. Some Russian universities offer scholarships that not only cover tuition fees but also include living expenses for eligible students. As a result, the cost of living for students in Russia is lower compared to that of the general population. Below are the average student living costs in Russia: ItemCost (USD) Student dormitory $7–67 per month Apartment rental $200–480 per month Student insurance $90–310 per year Transportation expenses $6 per month Phone bill $5–6 per month Entertainment (theater, concert, cinema) $50–70 per month 1 loaf of bread $0.05 Eggs (12 pieces) $1.10 Apples (1 kg) $1.30 Bananas (1 kg) $0.90 1 meal at a mid-range restaurant $7 Living and Working Conditions in Russia To migrate to Russia and obtain residency, the best approach is to apply for a work visa. You can obtain a Russian work visa and residency through investment and business registration. The cost of a work visa varies depending on the country of origin. Below are the costs for different types of work visas: Country/Type of VisaSingle entry double entryMultiple entry EU Member States $40 $40 $40 Other Countries $80 $128 $240 Financial and Banking Services in Russia In addition to the affordable cost of living, one of the advantages of migrating to Russia is the availability of banking services for immigrants. Individuals who migrate to Russia can open a bank account and obtain a Visa or MasterCard. These credit cards allow you to shop at stores worldwide. The main types of bank cards in Russia include:

• Visa Card
• MasterCard
• Mir (Russia’s domestic system)

In Russian banks, it is possible to open a personal bank account in three currencies: Ruble, Dollar, and Euro. Cost of Living in Different Cities of Russia Just as student living expenses and tuition costs in Russia depend on the university and city of study, the cost of living for regular residents also varies significantly depending on the city. Living costs are generally higher in large cities and lower in smaller cities or extremely cold regions. Below is the average cost of living in different cities of Russia: CityMonthly Living Cost (USD) Moscow $1,337 Saint Petersburg $1,164 Novosibirsk $883 Kazan $853 Orenburg $682 Volgograd $676 Astrakhan $635 Tomsk $583 Kursk $544 Conclusion Many people choose to migrate to Russia due to its favorable economic conditions. Investment opportunities and company registration are some of the ways to migrate to Russia. Additionally, the cost of living in Russia is more affordable compared to many European and American countries. Some migrants are international students who come to study at Russian universities. The high recognition of Russian university degrees worldwide, the affordable tuition costs, and the high quality of education have attracted many foreign students. Student living costs in Russia are also affordable, and eligible students can receive scholarships that help cover part of their tuition or living expenses. Similar to tuition costs, the cost of living for regular residents depends on lifestyle, housing type, and the city of residence. Elm Vira Migration Institute, with its excellent experience in immigration, provides all the necessary information and guidance for applicants. By filling out the free consultation form, you can get in touch with our experts.