Living in Moscow, Russia
Moscow is one of the Russia destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Moscow city center rents for around RUB 82,000/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages RUB 56,000/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about RUB 16,000 for groceries (single person) and RUB 3,200 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Moscow scores 42, which makes it one of the more affordable destinations.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Moscow starts at roughly RUB 101,200/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost RUB 1,300 for a mid-range meal and RUB 110 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around RUB 210. Owning a car adds approximately RUB 22,000/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Moscow skip this in favour of public transport or the RUB 3,200/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Russia offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Moscow costs around RUB 3,500/month, with a family plan at RUB 11,000. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about RUB 2,900, while specialists charge around RUB 5,300. Families should budget RUB 70,000/month for international schooling, or RUB 38,000/month for a local private school.
Who does Moscow suit best?
Moscow works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.