Cost of Living in Moscow, Russia
Russia · Europe
$1,600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
55
Cost Index
NYC=100
48
Rent Index
NYC=100
58
Quality of Life
Moderate
45
Safety Index
Below Average
12.5M
Population
RUB
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $7 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $30 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $3 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $8 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.7 |
| Monthly Pass | $22 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.6 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.8 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $100 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $12 |
| Fitness Club/month | $40 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $900/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $600/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,000/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,200/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $5,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 16% |
Cost of Living in Moscow — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Moscow, Russia is approximately $1,600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Moscow has a cost index of 55, making it around 45% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Moscow costs around $600/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $900/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,000/month. The rent index is 48 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Moscow scores 58/100 on the quality of life index and 45/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 65/100. The climate index is 38/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Moscow is approximately $1,400/month. With a purchasing power index of 55/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is RUB, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Moscow
The average monthly salary in Moscow is approximately $1,400. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 55/100.
Healthcare Costs in Moscow
Healthcare quality in Moscow is rated 65/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Moscow
Moscow has a quality of life score of 58/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Moscow
Students living in Moscow should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Moscow
Expats moving to Moscow often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Moscow, Russia is approximately $1,600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 55 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Moscow
Living in Moscow offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 55 and a quality of life score of 58/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $1,400 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Moscow provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Russia and around the world.
Key Facts About Moscow
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,600
- Cost Index: 55
- Rent Index: 48
- Average Salary: $1,400
- Quality of Life: 58/100
- Safety Score: 45/100
- Country: Russia
- Currency: RUB
Is Moscow Expensive?
Moscow has a cost index of 55 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Moscow compare to other cities?
Moscow is located in Europe with a population of approximately 12.5M. At a cost index of 55 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Moscow stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Moscow?
The average cost of living in Moscow, Russia is approximately $1,600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 55 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Moscow?
Rent in Moscow varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 48 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Moscow alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Moscow expensive to live in?
Moscow has a cost index of 55 compared to New York City (100). At 55, Moscow is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,600.
What is the quality of life in Moscow?
Moscow has a quality of life index of 58/100 and a safety index of 45/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Moscow compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Moscow with any city worldwide. Moscow's cost index is 55 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Moscow?
Many residents live comfortably in Moscow with a monthly budget of around $1,600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Moscow good for expats?
Moscow is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Moscow?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Moscow.
Is Moscow cheaper than New York?
Yes, Moscow has a cost index of 55 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Moscow?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Moscow.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Moscow
Cheapest Ways to Live in Moscow
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Moscow typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $600/month compared to $900/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Moscow, Russia.
Is Moscow Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 55/100 and a quality of life score of 58/100, Moscow is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 55 relative to New York City, Moscow remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Russia has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Moscow Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Moscow", "Moscow monthly expenses 2026", and "is Moscow affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,600, a safety score of 45/100, and healthcare rated 65/100, Moscow offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Russia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026