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Moscow, the capital city of Russia, is an exciting and vibrant place to study higher education. With its rich history, dynamic culture, and world-class universities, Moscow offers a unique and enriching experience for students from around the globe. The average cost of living in Moscow for a single person is around RUB 56,934 without rent. Which is close to the world’s average cost of living.
Moscow is the largest city in Russia, according to estimates, with a population of 12.5 million. Students in Moscow enjoy the benefit of a high quality of life and excellent educational opportunities. If you are relocating here for higher studies in Moscow and want to know about the average cost of living, we have given the complete breakdown in this blog for a few essential categories. Let’s look into the specifics.
This Blog Includes:
Cost of Living in Moscow: Overview
The average cost of living in Moscow for an individual according to the numbeo is nearly RUB 56,934, excluding accommodation rent. However, the living expenditures in Moscow depend on the standard of living of a person and his/her preference for things.
The cost of living in Moscow includes a few costs such as utility bills, housing rent, transportation costs, entertainment costs, food costs, groceries costs, and a few costs. Here, we have given the average cost of living in Nova Scotia with diverse categories for someones looking to live here. Please take a glance at the overview:
- Cost of Housing: A one-bedroom flat in Moscow typically costs roughly RUB 48,456 to RUB 80,704 a month in rent. The cost of a flat,
- Cost of Food: Food prices in Moscow are comparable to those in other European cities. An average supper at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around RUB 4,000 for 2 persons, while coffee would cost you about RUB 237.
- Cost of Transportation: Moscow’s public transportation is very inexpensive. A single ride costs about RUB 60, while a monthly pass is almost RUB 2730.
- Cost of Entertainment: The cost of entertainment might vary based on your interests and there are numerous things to do in Moscow. A movie costs approximately RUB 500.
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Cost of Food in Moscow
The food in Moscow caters to all tastes and preferences from traditional Russian dishes to international cuisine. Although the cost of eating out in Moscow is affordable and delightful, it can vary depending on the type of restaurant, the cuisine, and its location.
Eating out in Moscow can be more expensive than cooking in your place and the extra cost can affect your average cost of living in Moscow. Here’s an approx estimate of the moderate cost of a meal at restaurants in Moscow:
| Restaurants Food | Approx Cost |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | RUB 900.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | RUB 4000 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | RUB 450 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | RUB 237.63 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | RUB 97.96 |
Cost of Grocery in Moscow
The cost of groceries in Moscow can have a direct impact on the overall cost of living in Moscow because it is a daily expense. To prepare your meal at-home preferences you need various grocery items. Moreover, grocery prices vary based on where you shop and the quality of the products.
To ensure you get the best value for your money, it’s important to compare prices across different local stores. In the table below, we have provided a summary of average grocery expenses in Moscow:
| Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
| 1 litre of Regular Milk | RUB 88.21 |
| 1kg white Rice | RUB 128.74 |
| 500g Bread (White) | RUB 57.83 |
| 1kg Banana | RUB 140.85 |
| 1kg Oranges | RUB 158.57 |
| 1kg Apples | RUB 131.86 |
| 1kg Onion | RUB 41.37 |
| 1kg Tomato | RUB 316.07 |
| 12 Eggs | RUB 158.82 |
| 1kg Potato | RUB 39.50 |
| 1.5 litre Water bottle | RUB 55.12 |
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Costs of Accommodation in Moscow
Accommodation is a significant factor in the cost of living in Moscow and constitutes a major portion of its living expenses. When calculating your overall budget, it’s important to account for housing rent. The cost varies based on location, size, and type of room or apartment. For instance, a bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs around RUB 80,704.
It’s essential to carefully research and compare different areas and apartment amenities to ensure they meet your needs and budget. For your convenience, we have compiled data on the average cost of housing for various flats located both inside and outside the city centre.
| Apartment | Location | Approx. Monthly Cost |
| Apartment of One-bedroom | in the City Centre | RUB 80,704 |
| Apartment of Three-bedroom | in the City Centre | RUB 165,711 |
| Apartment of One-bedroom | Outside of Centre | RUB 48,456 |
| Apartment of Three-bedroom | Outside of Centre | RUB 89,729 |
Cost of a Utility in Moscow
Utilities in Moscow encompass a range of essential services that contribute to the quality of life for residents. These include electricity, water, heating, internet, and waste management. Understanding the cost and availability of these utilities can help residents manage their household expenses effectively.
The monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Moscow could be around RUB 10,863. However, the cost of utility bills in Moscow depends on the use and size of the apartment. When planning your monthly cost of living in Moscow, budgeting for utility expenses is crucial as they represent a significant portion of your overall costs of living in Moscow. The table below provides an overview of the average utility bills in Moscow:
| Utility Type | Utility Name | Approx. Cost |
| Basic Utility Bills | Water, Electricity, Heating, etc | RUB 10,863 |
| Internet | Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly | RUB 551 |
| Mobile Phone | Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | RUB 546 |
Cost of Clothes in Moscow
Moscow, offers a wide range of shopping options for various tastes and budgets, from luxury brands to affordable retailers. When considering the cost of living in Moscow, the price of clothing is an important factor.
People can find fashionable clothing at prices that fit their financial needs by exploring different shopping venues and taking advantage of sales and discounts. Below is a reference for average clothing costs in Moscow:
| Items | Average Cost |
| 1 pair of jeans | RUB 9,327 |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store | RUB 4,384 |
| 1 pair of sports shoes | RUB 10,889 |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | RUB 10,586 |
Cost of Public Transportation in Moscow
Moscow, a huge metropolis, boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system that makes it easy to navigate the city. From the iconic Moscow Metro to buses, trams and taxis, the city’s public transit network is designed to meet the needs of both residents and visitors.
It is important to evaluate transportation costs in Moscow because you will have to commute to and from college while attending college, and transportation costs can have a significant impact on the total cost of living in Moscow. Take an overview of the following table for the cost of transportation around the Moscow area:
| Transportation Type | Approx Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | RUB 60 |
| Monthly ticket public transport | RUB 2,730.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | RUB 40.00 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | RUB 56.19 |
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Miscellaneous Costs in Moscow
In addition to basic living expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries, there are various miscellaneous costs such as a gym subscription, movie tickets, small doctor’s appointments, etc that residents of Moscow should consider when managing their budgets.
These expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences but are important factors to account for in overall financial planning and you may need them in your ideal time after settling in Moscow properly. These costs fall under miscellaneous costs. Please see the table below for a list of the miscellaneous charges we offer.
| Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
| Movie Ticket | RUB 500 |
| Fitness Club | RUB 3,046 |
| Doctor’s visit | RUB 2712 |
| Haircut | RUB 896 |
Cost of Living in Moscow Compared to Other Cities
Nova Scotia is generally considered a moderately affordable city to live in comparison to some states in Russia. When comparing the cost of living in Moscow to other cities, several factors come into the picture, like housing, transportation, dining, entertainment, etc. For those seeking a balanced lifestyle with lower living expenses, Moscow remains an attractive option.
So to give you an idea of how the cost of living in Moscow compares to other cities like Petersburg, New York, London, Berlin, Dubai, Istanbul, Montreal and Belgrade. We’ve given the cost of living in other cities. Please have a look:
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Moscow |
| Cost of Living in Petersburg | RUB 50,480 (excluding rent) | Lower than Moscow |
| Cost of Living in New York | RUB 145971 (excluding rent) | Higher than Moscow |
| Cost of Living in London | RUB 125202 (excluding rent) | Higher than Moscow |
| Cost of Living in Berlin | RUB 96288 (excluding rent) | Higher than Moscow |
| Cost of Living in Dubai | RUB 95935 (excluding rent) | Higher than Moscow |
| Cost of Living in Istanbul | RUB 55255 (excluding rent) | Lower than Moscow |
| Cost of Living in Montreal | RUB 88477 (excluding rent) | Higher than Moscow |
| Cost of Living in Belgrade | RUB 62652 (excluding rent) | Higher than Moscow |
Why Study in Moscow?
There are several reasons to study in Moscow, some of the reasons and benefits are mentioned below:
- After Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Helsinki, and Tokyo, Moscow has been placed fifth in the world for educational excellence by Bain & Company, a major business consulting firm that has examined reforms to Moscow’s educational system
- All of Russia’s regions have quite high levels of higher education, but Moscow offers greater chances for leisure and an active lifestyle.
- The majority of potential international students who select Russia as their study-abroad country tend to select institutions with campuses in Moscow.
Tuition fee for Study in Moscow
The Tuition Fee for Study in Moscow is around RUB 137346 to RUB 1056510 per year program, and also it can vary on the type of program and the duration of the program. Forthcoming students should consider their educational goals, financial resources, and available scholarships or financial aid when planning their studies in Moscow.
The university fees can impact the overall cost of living in Moscow. See the table below for a summary of some of the tuition fees at selected Moscow universities:
| Level of Study | Tuition Fee Per Year |
| Undergraduate | RUB 137346 – RUB 1056510 |
| Specialist Program | RUB 137346 – RUB 739557 |
| Post Graduation | Rs. 169041 – RUB 538820 |
| PhD | Rs. 169041 – RUB 538820 |
Things to Consider When Moving to Moscow
Before relocating to Moscow, it’s crucial to comprehend the layout of the city and a few things to keep in mind.
- Finding Place: In Moscow, finding a place to stay is difficult, so do your homework and take your time. To assist you in finding your new residence, we advise working with a real estate agency (or at least, a friend who speaks Russian).
- Climate: Moscow experiences lengthy, harsh winters and mild, occasionally scorching, summers typical of a humid continental climate.
- Job Opportunities: In Russia, there are lots of work prospects, especially in industries like IT, finance, hospitality, and education. Here are a few instances of potential job openings: IT professional: Due to the country’s developing IT industry, there is a considerable demand for software developers there.
- Transportation: Due to the efficient transit system in Moscow, getting about the city is very easy. However, the metro is the quickest option due to traffic congestion. Given how gorgeous and clean the Moscow metro is, it is not a problem.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Moscow
Ans: The average monthly cost of living in Moscow for an individual is around RUB 56,934, excluding the rent. The cost can vary based on individual preferences and the chosen area of residence in Moscow.
Ans: Compared to major Western cities, Moscow is quite affordable. For a single person, expect to spend around RUB 56,934 on the cost of living in Moscow, excluding the rent for a month excluding rent. It’s significantly cheaper than cities like New York or Paris.
Ans. The cost of living in Moscow for students varies based on personal lifestyle and activities. On average, excluding rent, students can expect to spend approximately RUB 56,934. This much you need to live comfortably in Moscow.
This was all about the Cost of Living in Moscow if you are also wanted to know more about Moscow and planning to study in the same for more guidance reach out to Leverage Edu and directly call on 1800 57 2000
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