Cost Of Living in Moldova 2024

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Moldova

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Moldova

Whether you're living in Moldova or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: MDL
2,900 38,000 380,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $2,200 $22,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: MDL
3,800 27,000 180,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $1,500 $10,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: MDL
15,000 44,000 240,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$830 $2,500 $13,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: MDL
21,000 59,000 380,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $3,300 $22,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: MDL
2,900 19,000 130,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $1,100 $7,200
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Moldova is 27,000 MDL. Expenses can range from 3,800 MDL at the minimum level to 180,000 MDL at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Moldova is 44,000 MDL. Expenditure can range from 15,000 MDL to 240,000 MDL per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Moldova is 59,000 MDL per month. Families spend anywhere from 21,000 MDL to 380,000 MDL.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Moldova is 19,000 MDL. Students spend from 2,900 MDL to 130,000 MDL per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Moldova


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Moldova

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

40 MDL 80 MDL 130 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $4.5 $7.5

Restaurant meal for one

130 MDL 200 MDL 400 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $11 $23

Fine dining meal for one

270 MDL 400 MDL 1,600 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $90

Cappuccino or latte

33 MDL 54 MDL 80 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $3 $4.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

27 MDL 32 MDL 40 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.8 $2.3

12 eggs

20 MDL 27 MDL 40 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.3

Fresh whole chicken

46 MDL 59 MDL 84 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.3 $4.7

Pack of beef

54 MDL 80 MDL 160 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $4.5 $9

Medium bag of rice

22 MDL 30 MDL 42 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.7 $2.4

Bag of tomatos

8 MDL 11 MDL 20 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.45 $0.60 $1.1

Bag of apples

14 MDL 19 MDL 31 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $1.1 $1.7
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Moldova

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

33 MDL 40 MDL 80 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.3 $4.5

Average car full tank

200 MDL 270 MDL 540 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $30

Average car 1-day rental

200 MDL 270 MDL 400 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $23

Average car price

100,000 MDL 200,000 MDL 270,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5,600 $11,000 $15,000

Bus ticket one way

6.7 MDL 10 MDL 20 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.38 $0.56 $1.1

Car Service

270 MDL 400 MDL 800 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $45
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Moldova

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

230 MDL 1,600 MDL 11,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $90 $600

Utility Bill - Couple

590 MDL 2,000 MDL 13,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $110 $730

Utility Bill - Family

1,000 MDL 2,900 MDL 19,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $170 $1,100

Internet and cable

200 MDL 400 MDL 540 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $23 $30

Mobile phone charges

160 MDL 270 MDL 800 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9 $15 $45

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

100 MDL 130 MDL 200 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.6 $7.5 $11

One month gym membership

320 MDL 400 MDL 800 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $23 $45
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Moldova

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

240 MDL 330 MDL 500 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $28

Woman dress

220 MDL 310 MDL 1,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $56

Woman shoes

210 MDL 290 MDL 670 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $38

Men's shoes

180 MDL 220 MDL 450 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $13 $25

Men suit

200 MDL 250 MDL 1,300 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $75

Regular t-shirt

100 MDL 130 MDL 400 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.6 $7.5 $23
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Moldova

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

3,300 MDL 5,000 MDL 13,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $280 $750

1-bedroom apartment

5,000 MDL 8,000 MDL 20,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $450 $1,100

2-bedroom apartment

6,700 MDL 10,000 MDL 27,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $560 $1,500

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

670,000 MDL 1M MDL 2M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38,000 $56,000 $110,000

1-bedroom apartment

800,000 MDL 1.3M MDL 5M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45,000 $75,000 $280,000

2-bedroom apartment

1.3M MDL 4M MDL 8M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$75,000 $230,000 $450,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Moldova

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

4,000 MDL 5,000 MDL 6,700 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $280 $380

Double Bed

2,700 MDL 4,000 MDL 5,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $280

Single Bed

2,400 MDL 3,100 MDL 4,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $170 $230

Living Room

4,500 MDL 5,700 MDL 20,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $320 $1,100

Dining Table

2,000 MDL 2,700 MDL 5,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $150 $280

Sofa or Couch

2,700 MDL 3,600 MDL 8,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $210 $450
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Moldova

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

2,700 MDL 4,000 MDL 8,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $450

Fridge or Freezer

2,400 MDL 3,600 MDL 5,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $210 $280

Washing Machine

3,100 MDL 4,500 MDL 8,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $250 $450

Stove or Cooker

2,900 MDL 3,600 MDL 5,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $210 $280

Mobile Phone

3,300 MDL 4,000 MDL 5,700 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $230 $320

Laptop or Computer

3,600 MDL 4,500 MDL 8,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $250 $450

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Moldova

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Moldova

Spending to Income Ratio

83%

75% to 93%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%15%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Moldova is 83% This means that on average, people spend around 83% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
84%

Couple
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
88%

Family
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
79%
98%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Moldova

How do people spend their money in Moldova?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure27%

27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)

LOW$50   880 MDL
AVERAGE$650   11,000 MDL
HIGH$6,500   110,000 MDL
Per Month

People living in Moldova typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 11,000 MDL with expenditure ranging from 880 MDL to 110,000 MDL. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$8.3   150 MDL
AVERAGE$110   1,900 MDL
HIGH$1,100   19,000 MDL
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Moldova ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,900 MDL with 150 MDL and 19,000 MDL being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$17   290 MDL
AVERAGE$220   3,800 MDL
HIGH$2,200   38,000 MDL
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 290 MDL to 38,000 MDL on commuting with 3,800 MDL being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW$41   740 MDL
AVERAGE$540   9,600 MDL
HIGH$5,400   96,000 MDL
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Moldova is 9,600 MDL. The cost of groceries can range between 740 MDL to 96,000 MDL. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$12   210 MDL
AVERAGE$150   2,700 MDL
HIGH$1,500   27,000 MDL
Per Month

People in Moldova allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 210 MDL to 27,000 MDL with 2,700 MDL being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$6.6   120 MDL
AVERAGE$86   1,500 MDL
HIGH$860   15,000 MDL
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 120 MDL to 15,000 MDL with 1,500 MDL being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$10   180 MDL
AVERAGE$130   2,300 MDL
HIGH$1,300   23,000 MDL
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 2,300 MDL per month with 180 MDL being the minimum spent amount and 23,000 MDL being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$22   380 MDL
AVERAGE$280   5,000 MDL
HIGH$2,800   50,000 MDL
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Moldova

How much money can you save in Moldova every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Moldova manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
58%
Not Saving
42%

Almost 58% of the surveyed people in Moldova said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 42% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Moldova

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles66%34%
Couples61%39%
Families56%44%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Moldova

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,100 MDL
$60
14,000 MDL
$780
140,000 MDL
$7,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 21% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 14,000 MDL on average with savings ranging from 1,100 MDL to 140,000 MDL.

66% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 61% of couples said the same. 56% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Moldova?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 25% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,100 MDL
$60
9,600 MDL
$540
64,000 MDL
$3,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%28%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%17%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 25% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 9,600 MDL with 1,100 MDL and 64,000 MDL being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 23% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

5,300 MDL
$300
16,000 MDL
$900
85,000 MDL
$4,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 33% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 16,000 MDL with 5,300 MDL and 85,000 MDL being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

7,400 MDL
$420
21,000 MDL
$1,200
140,000 MDL
$7,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Moldova can save anywhere between 12% to 30% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 21,000 MDL with 7,400 MDL and 140,000 MDL being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Moldova

Saving Challenges in Moldova

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Moldova. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans19%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 19% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Moldova

Typical saving choices for people in Moldova

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings15%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Moldova

Affordable living in Moldova

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Moldova?


Yes
64%
No
36%

Around 64% of surveyed residents think that living in Moldova is affordable with proper budgeting while 36% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Moldova

Low-cost alternatives in Moldova

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options57%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Moldova have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Moldova whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes60%

No40%


Based on the survey, 40% of the people living in Moldova said that they don't have an emergency fund while 60% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Moldova

Financial Literacy in Moldova

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy59%


We asked residents of Moldova whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 41% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 59% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Moldova have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 44% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 56% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance44%

Easily manages finances56%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Moldova

Financial goals of people in Moldova

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Moldova, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction32%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses8%
Financial Independence9%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 32% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 8% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Moldova

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Moldova and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Moldova is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Moldova:
AgeAmount
25100,000 MDL
30210,000 MDL
35370,000 MDL
40520,000 MDL
45780,000 MDL
501.1M MDL
551.3M MDL
601.6M MDL
651.9M MDL

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Moldova about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job9%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Moldova

2,100 MDL
$120
19,000 MDL
$1,100
130,000 MDL
$7,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Moldova

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Moldova


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
68%

According to the survey, 32% of the people in Moldova have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 68% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Moldova

Debt-to-income ratio in Moldova

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 38%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Moldova goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%11%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%16%
10% - 20%19%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Moldova pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 11% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 16% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Moldova

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage14%
Auto Loan23%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card24%
Personal Loan36%

14% of debtors in Moldova confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 24% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 23% of people and personal loans rose at 36%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Moldova.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Moldova

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Moldova how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never56%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Moldova

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Moldova

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Moldova

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

3,300 MDL 5,000 MDL 13,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $280 $750

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

5,000 MDL 8,000 MDL 20,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $450 $1,100

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

6,700 MDL 10,000 MDL 27,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $560 $1,500

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

8,000 MDL 13,000 MDL 36,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $750 $2,100

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

16,000 MDL 40,000 MDL 80,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$900 $2,300 $4,500

Townhouse monthly rent cost

13,000 MDL 20,000 MDL 57,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$750 $1,100 $3,200

House monthly rent cost

16,000 MDL 40,000 MDL 80,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$900 $2,300 $4,500

Villa monthly rent cost

20,000 MDL 50,000 MDL 80,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $2,800 $4,500

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Moldova ranges between 3,300 MDL and 13,000 MDL, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 5,000 MDL to 20,000 MDL. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 6,700 MDL and 27,000 MDL per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 8,000 MDL to 36,000 MDL. The average rent of a townhouse in Moldova is around 20,000 MDL while house rental costs can be as high as 40,000 MDL per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 20,000 MDL to 80,000 MDL per month.



Apartment and house prices in Moldova

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

670,000 MDL 1M MDL 2M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38,000 $56,000 $110,000

1-bedroom apartment price

800,000 MDL 1.3M MDL 5M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45,000 $75,000 $280,000

2-bedroom apartment price

1.3M MDL 4M MDL 8M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$75,000 $230,000 $450,000

3-bedroom apartment price

4.5M MDL 6.7M MDL 20M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250,000 $380,000 $1.1M

Townhouse price

5.7M MDL 13M MDL 50M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320,000 $750,000 $2.8M

House price

6.7M MDL 40M MDL 57M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380,000 $2.3M $3.2M

Villa price

8M MDL 45M MDL 67M MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450,000 $2.5M $3.8M

The average price of a studio apartment in Moldova can range from 670,000 MDL to 2M MDL depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 800,000 MDL to 5M MDL. A villa can cost you 45M MDL on average with prices ranging from 8M MDL to 67M MDL.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Moldova will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


41 x121 monthly income 212
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Moldova can be x121 to x212 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x121 multiples of the average monthly salary in Moldova.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Moldova is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
30%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


59 MDL 770 MDL 7,700 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Moldova

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Moldova

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

230 MDL 1,600 MDL 11,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $90 $600

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

590 MDL 2,000 MDL 13,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $110 $730

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

1,000 MDL 2,900 MDL 19,000 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$58 $170 $1,100

Internet and cable cost

200 MDL 400 MDL 540 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $23 $30

Mobile phone bill and charges

160 MDL 270 MDL 800 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9 $15 $45

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Moldova ranges between 230 MDL and 11,000 MDL with average being 1,600 MDL, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 2,000 MDL with 590 MDL and 13,000 MDL being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 2,900 MDL. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 200 MDL to 540 MDL with 400 MDL being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 270 MDL but can range between 160 MDL and 800 MDL depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2% 5% of income 9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Moldova is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Moldova

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Moldova

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

40 MDL 80 MDL 130 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $4.5 $7.5

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Moldova is approximatly 80 MDL with meal cost ranging from 40 MDL to 130 MDL. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

130 MDL 200 MDL 400 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $11 $23

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 130 MDL and 400 MDL with 200 MDL being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Moldova.

Fine dining meal for one price

270 MDL 400 MDL 1,600 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $90

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 270 MDL to 1,600 MDL with the average cost being 400 MDL for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Moldova.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

33 MDL 54 MDL 80 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $3 $4.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Moldova is around 54 MDL. Price ranges between 33 MDL and 80 MDL depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

27 MDL 32 MDL 40 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.8 $2.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Moldova is 32 MDL. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 40 MDL and the minimum being 27 MDL depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

20 MDL 27 MDL 40 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.3

A dozen eggs costs around 27 MDL on average with 20 MDL and 40 MDL being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

46 MDL 59 MDL 84 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.3 $4.7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Moldova is between 46 MDL and 84 MDL depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 59 MDL.

Pack of beef price

54 MDL 80 MDL 160 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $4.5 $9

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 80 MDL. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

22 MDL 30 MDL 42 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.7 $2.4

A bag of rice in Moldova costs around 30 MDL on average with prices rangeing between 22 MDL and 42 MDL depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

8 MDL 11 MDL 20 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.45 $0.60 $1.1

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 8 MDL to 20 MDL. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

14 MDL 19 MDL 31 MDL
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $1.1 $1.7

A bag of apples costs 19 MDL on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


17% 25% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Moldova is around 25%. This means that people spend 25% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 31% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 4,200 MDL per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 600 MDL and 28,000 MDL depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 6,200 MDL per month. That number can be get as low as 2,100 MDL or a high as 33,000 MDL. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 3,700 MDL to 69,000 MDL with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Moldova

Housing cost for a single person33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$76   1,400 MDL
AVERAGE$540   9,600 MDL
HIGH$3,600   64,000 MDL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$13   230 MDL
AVERAGE$90   1,600 MDL
HIGH$600   11,000 MDL
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$17   300 MDL
AVERAGE$120   2,100 MDL
HIGH$800   14,000 MDL
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$34   600 MDL
AVERAGE$240   4,200 MDL
HIGH$1,600   28,000 MDL
Per Month

Healthcare Cost10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$19   340 MDL
AVERAGE$130   2,400 MDL
HIGH$900   16,000 MDL
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$11   190 MDL
AVERAGE$75   1,300 MDL
HIGH$500   8,800 MDL
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$4.2   75 MDL
AVERAGE$30   530 MDL
HIGH$200   3,500 MDL
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$38   680 MDL
AVERAGE$270   4,800 MDL
HIGH$1,800   32,000 MDL
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Moldova

Housing cost for a couple30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW$280   5,000 MDL
AVERAGE$850   15,000 MDL
HIGH$4,500   80,000 MDL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$33   590 MDL
AVERAGE$110   2,000 MDL
HIGH$730   13,000 MDL
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$100   1,800 MDL
AVERAGE$300   5,300 MDL
HIGH$1,600   28,000 MDL
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$120   2,100 MDL
AVERAGE$350   6,200 MDL
HIGH$1,900   33,000 MDL
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$91   1,600 MDL
AVERAGE$270   4,900 MDL
HIGH$1,500   26,000 MDL
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$50   880 MDL
AVERAGE$150   2,700 MDL
HIGH$800   14,000 MDL
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$17   290 MDL
AVERAGE$50   880 MDL
HIGH$270   4,700 MDL
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$140   2,500 MDL
AVERAGE$420   7,500 MDL
HIGH$2,300   40,000 MDL
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Moldova

Housing cost for a family29%

29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)

LOW$370   6,600 MDL
AVERAGE$1,100   19,000 MDL
HIGH$6,900   120,000 MDL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$58   1,000 MDL
AVERAGE$170   2,900 MDL
HIGH$1,100   19,000 MDL
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW$120   2,100 MDL
AVERAGE$330   5,900 MDL
HIGH$2,200   38,000 MDL
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW$210   3,700 MDL
AVERAGE$600   11,000 MDL
HIGH$3,900   69,000 MDL
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$100   1,900 MDL
AVERAGE$330   5,900 MDL
HIGH$1,700   31,000 MDL
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$58   1,000 MDL
AVERAGE$170   2,900 MDL
HIGH$1,100   19,000 MDL
Per Month

Education Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$160   2,900 MDL
AVERAGE$460   8,300 MDL
HIGH$3,000   54,000 MDL
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$93   1,700 MDL
AVERAGE$270   4,700 MDL
HIGH$1,700   31,000 MDL
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Moldova

Housing costs for Student21%

21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)

LOW$40   710 MDL
AVERAGE$260   4,600 MDL
HIGH$1,700   31,000 MDL
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$6.6   120 MDL
AVERAGE$43   770 MDL
HIGH$290   5,200 MDL
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost6%

6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$12   210 MDL
AVERAGE$76   1,400 MDL
HIGH$510   9,000 MDL
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW$33   590 MDL
AVERAGE$220   3,900 MDL
HIGH$1,400   26,000 MDL
Per Month

Healthcare Cost7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$10   180 MDL
AVERAGE$65   1,200 MDL
HIGH$430   7,700 MDL
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$8.3   150 MDL
AVERAGE$54   970 MDL
HIGH$360   6,400 MDL
Per Month

Education Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$32   560 MDL
AVERAGE$210   3,700 MDL
HIGH$1,400   24,000 MDL
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$25   440 MDL
AVERAGE$160   2,900 MDL
HIGH$1,100   19,000 MDL
Per Month
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