Moscow was the world’s most expensive city for expatriates for many years according to Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey, but as of 2010 it has been demoted to 4th place. This still leaves Moscow a more expensive city than anywhere in Europe or the Americas.
Mercer’s survey covers 143 cities across six continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. It is the world’s most comprehensive cost of living survey and is used to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees.
How much you personally will spend in Moscow depends completely on your lifestyle and adaptability! Despite Mercer’s ranking, you can enjoy a very good standard of living here without spending a fortune, particularly if you carefully evaluate your housing options and if you know where to shop and how to get around. But if you want to splurge on something special, there’s no shortage of options.
Accommodation – monthly
4-room (3-bedroom) apartment in city centre: 125,000 RUR (basic remodel) – 300,000+ RUR (luxury)
5-room (4-bedroom) townhouse 10 km from MKAD highway: 220,000 RUR – 500,000+ RUR
2-room (1-bedroom) apartment on the outer circle: 20,000 (Soviet-style) – 50,000 (nice remodel, new building)
Utilities
Water and water drainage: 95 – 225 RUR per person per month (flat fee system)
Gas: 25 – 61 RUR per person per month (flat fee system)
Electric: 3 RUR per kilowatt
Food
1 liter milk: 14 RUR
1 large loaf bread: 12 RUR
1 kg potatoes: 25 RUR
1 kg tomatoes: 50 RUR (in season)
1 kg apples: 50 RUR
1 head cabbage: 18 RUR
250 g instant coffee: 200 RUR
1 chocolate bar: 35 RUR
1 frozen pizza: 150 RUR
1 dozen eggs: 45 RUR
1 kg skinned, boneless chicken breasts: 210 RUR
1 kg pork chops: 320 RUR
1 kg beef tenderloin: 360 RUR
1 kg salmon: 540 RUR
1 store-bakery cake: 250-450 RUR
Transport
Car with driver: 40,000+ RUR monthly (foreign economy sedan, more for English-speaking driver)
Monthly metro pass: 1100 RUR
Monthly all-city transport (metor, bus, tram, local train) pass: 1900
Gasoline: 16.50 – 22.50 RUR per liter
Taxis: 300 – 1000 RUR per trip
Leisure
Cinema ticket: 160 (matinee) – 350 RUR
Opera/ballet/theatre ticket: 100 – 3,000 RUR for average facility and performance; 500 – 15,000+ RUR for top facilities and exclusive performances
Gym membership: 12,000 – 62,000 RUR annually (pre-pay for a year usually required)
Meal for two in upscale restaurant: 5,000 – 10,000 RUR
Meal for four in family restaurant: 2,500 – 5,000 RUR
Miscellaneous
Cable TV: 600 – 2,200 RUR monthly
Hi-Speed Home Internet: 500+ RUR monthly
Mobile Phone: 200 – 1000 RUR (pre-paid) monthly
Landline: 135 RUR monthly
Housekeeper: 150 – 250 RUR per hour
Baby Sitter: 100 – 200 RUR per hour
Dry cleaning: shirt – 300+ RUR; suit – 450+ RUR; evening gown – 2000+ RUR
Education
School fees for international English-speaking school: average 780,000 RUR annually
