Cost Of Living in Moscow 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Moscow
Whether you're living in Moscow 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: RUB
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: RUB
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: RUB
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: RUB
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: RUB
How do people spend their money in Moscow?
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 Expenditure25%
25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)
| LOW | $43 3,900 RUB |
| AVERAGE | $430 39,000 RUB |
| HIGH | $6,500 590,000 RUB |
| Per Month |
People living in Moscow typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 39,000 RUB with expenditure ranging from 3,900 RUB to 590,000 RUB. 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, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)
| LOW | $5.9 530 RUB |
| AVERAGE | $59 5,300 RUB |
| HIGH | $880 80,000 RUB |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Moscow ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 5,300 RUB with 530 RUB and 80,000 RUB being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $13 1,200 RUB |
| AVERAGE | $130 12,000 RUB |
| HIGH | $2,000 180,000 RUB |
| 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 1,200 RUB to 180,000 RUB on commuting with 12,000 RUB being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.
Food and Groceries Cost27%
27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)
| LOW | $32 2,900 RUB |
| AVERAGE | $320 29,000 RUB |
| HIGH | $4,800 430,000 RUB |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Moscow is 29,000 RUB. The cost of groceries can range between 2,900 RUB to 430,000 RUB. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $7.3 660 RUB |
| AVERAGE | $73 6,600 RUB |
| HIGH | $1,100 99,000 RUB |
| Per Month |
People in Moscow allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 660 RUB to 99,000 RUB with 6,600 RUB being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | $5.1 460 RUB |
| AVERAGE | $51 4,600 RUB |
| HIGH | $760 69,000 RUB |
| 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 460 RUB to 69,000 RUB with 4,600 RUB being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $7.6 690 RUB |
| AVERAGE | $76 6,900 RUB |
| HIGH | $1,100 100,000 RUB |
| 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 6,900 RUB per month with 690 RUB being the minimum spent amount and 100,000 RUB being the maximum.
Other Expenses13%
13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
| LOW | $18 1,600 RUB |
| AVERAGE | $180 16,000 RUB |
| HIGH | $2,700 250,000 RUB |
| Per Month |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Moscow
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.
Spending to Income Ratio
110%
96% to 120%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 5% |
| 50% - 60% | 10% |
| 60% - 70% | 17% |
| 70% - 80% | 26% |
| 80% - 90% | 17% |
| 90% - 100% | 10% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Moscow is 110%
This means that on average, people spend around 110% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 17% 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
100%
Spending-Income-Ratio
90%
110%
Couple
110%
Spending-Income-Ratio
99%
120%
Family
110%
Spending-Income-Ratio
97%
120%
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.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Moscow
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Moscow
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Moscow is approximatly 270 RUB with meal cost ranging from 140 RUB to 460 RUB. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
| 490 RUB | 740 RUB | 1,500 RUB |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 490 RUB and 1,500 RUB with 740 RUB being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Moscow.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 910 RUB | 1,400 RUB | 5,500 RUB |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 910 RUB to 5,500 RUB with the average cost being 1,400 RUB for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Moscow.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Moscow is around 190 RUB. Price ranges between 120 RUB and 290 RUB depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Moscow is 120 RUB. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 150 RUB and the minimum being 98 RUB depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 91 RUB on average with 68 RUB and 140 RUB being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Moscow is between 170 RUB and 310 RUB depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 220 RUB.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 320 RUB. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Moscow costs around 98 RUB on average with prices rangeing between 71 RUB and 140 RUB depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 28 RUB to 69 RUB. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 66 RUB 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
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Moscow is around 33%. This means that people spend 33% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 23% to 41% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 17,000 RUB per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 2,300 RUB and 180,000 RUB depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 21,000 RUB per month. That number can be get as low as 3,200 RUB or a high as 190,000 RUB. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 6,200 RUB to 310,000 RUB with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Moscow
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Moscow
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 15,000 RUB | 22,000 RUB | 59,000 RUB |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 23,000 RUB | 37,000 RUB | 92,000 RUB |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 32,000 RUB | 48,000 RUB | 130,000 RUB |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 40,000 RUB | 66,000 RUB | 180,000 RUB |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 73,000 RUB | 180,000 RUB | 370,000 RUB |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 59,000 RUB | 89,000 RUB | 250,000 RUB |
House monthly rent cost
| 74,000 RUB | 180,000 RUB | 370,000 RUB |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 88,000 RUB | 220,000 RUB | 350,000 RUB |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Moscow ranges between 15,000 RUB and 59,000 RUB, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 23,000 RUB to 92,000 RUB. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 32,000 RUB and 130,000 RUB per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 40,000 RUB to 180,000 RUB. The average rent of a townhouse in Moscow is around 89,000 RUB while house rental costs can be as high as 180,000 RUB per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 88,000 RUB to 350,000 RUB per month.
Apartment and house prices in Moscow
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 3.2M RUB | 4.8M RUB | 9.6M RUB |
1-bedroom apartment price
2-bedroom apartment price
| $65,000 | $190,000 | $390,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
Townhouse price
House price
| 33M RUB | 200M RUB | 290M RUB |
Villa price
| 40M RUB | 220M RUB | 330M RUB |
The average price of a studio apartment in Moscow can range from 3.2M RUB to 9.6M RUB depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 4M RUB to 25M RUB. A villa can cost you 220M RUB on average with prices ranging from 40M RUB to 330M RUB.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Moscow 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
| 66 | x194 monthly income | 354 |
Property prices in Moscow can be x194 to x354 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x194 multiples of the average monthly salary in Moscow.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Moscow is around 43%. This means that people pay 43% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 29% to 57% 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
29% 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.
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.
| 260 RUB | 2,600 RUB | 40,000 RUB |
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.
Financial goals of people in Moscow
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Moscow, 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 Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 37% |
| Retirement Savings | 9% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 8% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 9% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 11% |
| Financial Independence | 7% |
Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 37% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Typical saving choices for people in Moscow
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 11% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 18% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 5% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Low-cost alternatives in Moscow
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 options58%
Few low-cost options42%
Based on the survey, 58% of the people living in Moscow have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 42% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Moscow
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
| 490 RUB | 740 RUB | 1,500 RUB |
Fine dining meal for one
| 910 RUB | 1,400 RUB | 5,500 RUB |
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
| 690 RUB | 920 RUB | 1,800 RUB |
Average car 1-day rental
| 610 RUB | 810 RUB | 1,200 RUB |
Average car price
| 320,000 RUB | 640,000 RUB | 850,000 RUB |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 880 RUB | 1,300 RUB | 2,600 RUB |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 810 RUB | 5,700 RUB | 64,000 RUB |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 850 RUB | 6,200 RUB | 70,000 RUB |
Utility Bill - Family
| 1,600 RUB | 8,000 RUB | 80,000 RUB |
Internet and cable
| 740 RUB | 1,500 RUB | 2,000 RUB |
Mobile phone charges
| 420 RUB | 690 RUB | 2,100 RUB |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
| 1,100 RUB | 1,400 RUB | 2,900 RUB |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 880 RUB | 1,200 RUB | 1,900 RUB |
Woman dress
| 860 RUB | 1,200 RUB | 3,900 RUB |
Woman shoes
| 720 RUB | 980 RUB | 2,300 RUB |
Men's shoes
| 650 RUB | 790 RUB | 1,600 RUB |
Men suit
| 750 RUB | 930 RUB | 5,000 RUB |
Regular t-shirt
| 390 RUB | 520 RUB | 1,600 RUB |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 15,000 RUB | 22,000 RUB | 59,000 RUB |
1-bedroom apartment
| 23,000 RUB | 37,000 RUB | 92,000 RUB |
2-bedroom apartment
| 32,000 RUB | 48,000 RUB | 130,000 RUB |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 3.2M RUB | 4.8M RUB | 9.6M RUB |
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment
| $65,000 | $190,000 | $390,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 14,000 RUB | 17,000 RUB | 23,000 RUB |
Double Bed
| 9,400 RUB | 14,000 RUB | 18,000 RUB |
Single Bed
| 8,600 RUB | 11,000 RUB | 15,000 RUB |
Living Room
| 17,000 RUB | 22,000 RUB | 76,000 RUB |
Dining Table
| 6,800 RUB | 9,000 RUB | 17,000 RUB |
Sofa or Couch
| 9,400 RUB | 13,000 RUB | 28,000 RUB |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 9,500 RUB | 14,000 RUB | 28,000 RUB |
Fridge or Freezer
| 8,700 RUB | 13,000 RUB | 18,000 RUB |
Washing Machine
| 10,000 RUB | 15,000 RUB | 26,000 RUB |
Stove or Cooker
| 9,700 RUB | 12,000 RUB | 17,000 RUB |
Mobile Phone
| 12,000 RUB | 14,000 RUB | 20,000 RUB |
Laptop or Computer
| 13,000 RUB | 16,000 RUB | 30,000 RUB |
Saving Challenges in Moscow
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Moscow. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 16% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 11% |
| Impulsive Spending | 10% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 6% |
| Will do it later | 19% |
| Inflation | 12% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% 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. 10% 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. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% 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. 12% 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.
Affordable living in Moscow
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Moscow?
Around 61% of surveyed residents think that living in Moscow is affordable with proper budgeting while 39% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
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 whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes59%
No41%
Based on the survey, 41% of the people living in Moscow said that they don't have an emergency fund while 59% said that they do.
How much money can you save in Moscow 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 Moscow manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 73% of the surveyed people in Moscow said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 27% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Moscow
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 78% | 22% |
| Couples | 78% | 22% |
| Families | 66% | 34% |
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.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
5,100 RUB
$56 | 51,000 RUB
$560 | 770,000 RUB
$8,500 |
For most people, 16% to 42% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 26% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 51,000 RUB on average with savings ranging from 5,100 RUB to 770,000 RUB.
78% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 78% of couples said the same. 66% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Moscow?
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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
4,700 RUB
$52 | 42,000 RUB
$470 | 470,000 RUB
$5,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 30% |
| 10% - 20% | 24% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 15% |
| 40% - 50% | 11% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 20% to 45% of their monthly income to savings, with 32% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 42,000 RUB with 4,700 RUB and 470,000 RUB being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
9,800 RUB
$110 | 64,000 RUB
$700 | 590,000 RUB
$6,500 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 34% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 10% |
| 40% - 50% | 8% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 18% to 46% of their monthly income, with 30% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 64,000 RUB with 9,800 RUB and 590,000 RUB being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
15,000 RUB
$170 | 77,000 RUB
$850 | 770,000 RUB
$8,500 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 37% |
| 10% - 20% | 29% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 7% |
| 40% - 50% | 5% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Moscow can save anywhere between 13% to 35% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 77,000 RUB with 15,000 RUB and 770,000 RUB being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Financial Literacy in
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 Leteracy56%
We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 44% 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 56% 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 have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 40% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 60% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance40%
Easily manages finances60%
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Moscow
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Moscow and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in 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:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Moscow:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 250,000 RUB |
| 30 | 530,000 RUB |
| 35 | 970,000 RUB |
| 40 | 1.4M RUB |
| 45 | 1.9M RUB |
| 50 | 2.8M RUB |
| 55 | 3.4M RUB |
| 60 | 4.5M RUB |
| 65 | 4.7M RUB |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 12% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Moscow 10,000 RUB
$110 | 90,000 RUB
$990 | 1M RUB
$11,000 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Moscow
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 28% of the people in Moscow have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 72% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Moscow
Debt to income ratio
29%
20% 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 29% of the people's monthly income in Moscow goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 14% |
| 40% - 50% | 13% |
| 30% - 40% | 15% |
| 20% - 30% | 13% |
| 10% - 20% | 16% |
| 0% - 10% | 27% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Moscow pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 14% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Moscow
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 11% |
| Auto Loan | 19% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 27% |
| Personal Loan | 39% |
11% of debtors in Moscow confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 19% of people and personal loans rose at 39%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Moscow.
About credit score and debt managementManaging 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 Moscow
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents 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 |
|---|
| Never | 53% |
| Once a year | 23% |
| Twice a year | 12% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Moscow is 120,000 RUB. Expenses can range from 17,000 RUB at the minimum level to 1.4M RUB at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Moscow is 180,000 RUB. Expenditure can range from 28,000 RUB to 1.7M RUB per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Moscow is 220,000 RUB per month. Families spend anywhere from 44,000 RUB to 2.2M RUB.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Moscow is 86,000 RUB. Students spend from 13,000 RUB to 950,000 RUB per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Moscow
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Moscow
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 810 RUB | 5,700 RUB | 64,000 RUB |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 850 RUB | 6,200 RUB | 70,000 RUB |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 1,600 RUB | 8,000 RUB | 80,000 RUB |
Internet and cable cost
| 740 RUB | 1,500 RUB | 2,000 RUB |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 420 RUB | 690 RUB | 2,100 RUB |
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 Moscow ranges between 810 RUB and 64,000 RUB with average being 5,700 RUB, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 6,200 RUB with 850 RUB and 70,000 RUB 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 8,000 RUB. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 740 RUB to 2,000 RUB with 1,500 RUB being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 690 RUB but can range between 420 RUB and 2,100 RUB 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
The average utility-to-income ratio in Moscow is around 6.6%. This means that people pay 6.6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.7% to 12% depending on salary and location.
Cost of living comparison by city
#1 Izhevsk
The average cost of living in Izhevsk is 59,000 RUB, which is 55% less than the country average. Izhevsk is ranked first in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#2 Saratov
The average cost of living in Saratov is 64,000 RUB, which is 51% less than the country average. Saratov is ranked second in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#3 Krasnodar
The average cost of living in Krasnodar is 68,000 RUB, which is 48% less than the country average. Krasnodar is ranked third in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#4 Volgograd
The average cost of living in Volgograd is 73,000 RUB, which is 44% less than the country average. Volgograd is ranked fourth in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#5 Krasnoyarsk
The average cost of living in Krasnoyarsk is 77,000 RUB, which is 41% less than the country average. Krasnoyarsk is ranked fifth in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#6 Samara
The average cost of living in Samara is 82,000 RUB, which is 37% less than the country average. Samara is ranked sixth in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#7 Rostov-on-Don
The average cost of living in Rostov-on-Don is 88,000 RUB, which is 32% less than the country average. Rostov-on-Don is ranked seventh in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#8 Omsk
The average cost of living in Omsk is 93,000 RUB, which is 28% less than the country average. Omsk is ranked eighth in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#9 Chelyabinsk
The average cost of living in Chelyabinsk is 99,000 RUB, which is 24% less than the country average. Chelyabinsk is ranked ninth in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#10 Kazan
The average cost of living in Kazan is 100,000 RUB, which is 23% less than the country average. Kazan is ranked tenth in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#11 Nizhny Novgorod
The average cost of living in Nizhny Novgorod is 110,000 RUB, which is 15% less than the country average. Nizhny Novgorod is ranked eleventh in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#12 Yekaterinburg
The average cost of living in Yekaterinburg is 120,000 RUB, which is 7.7% less than the country average. Yekaterinburg is ranked twelfth in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#13 Saint Petersburg
The average cost of living in Saint Petersburg is 120,000 RUB, which is 7.7% less than the country average. Saint Petersburg is ranked thirteenth in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#14 Moscow
The average cost of living in Moscow is 130,000 RUB, which is same as the country average. Moscow is ranked fourteenth in Russia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
Published: February 2, 2024 Last Update: May 3, 2025
