Cost of Living in Russia: Detailed Expense Overview

Did You Know? Rental prices in Russia have surged by 31.4%, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in major cities rising to 27,259 rubles.  In Moscow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment reached 73,000 rubles per month-a 43% increase from the previous year.

Russia is a popular destination for Indian students, offering quality education at a more affordable cost compared to many Western countries. On average, you'll spend between RUB 20,000 to RUB 35,000 (INR 21k to INR 37k) per month, covering rent, groceries, transport, and utilities. 

For your Russian student visa, you must show proof of funds of at least RUB 424,800 to RUB 531,000 (INR 4.5 L to INR 5.65 L) per year, which aligns with typical annual spending. The number of Indian students in Russia’s top universities and colleges surged to 31,444, marking a 34% increase from the previous year.

Your total cost will vary based on city, accommodation type, and personal lifestyle. This guide details the cost of living in Russia, tuition, extra charges, and practical budgeting tips.

An Overview of Cost of Living in Russia per Month for Indian Students

The average monthly cost of living in Russia per month ranges from approximately RUB 20,000 to RUB 35,000 (INR 21K to INR 37K), depending on the city and lifestyle.

Major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg is pricier, with monthly expenses reaching up to RUB 70,000 (INR 74.5k). Costs for accommodation, groceries, and transportation are the major expenses.

Understanding these expenses using an expense calculator is crucial for prospective students, as it helps with budgeting, ensures you meet visa requirements, and allows you to plan for a comfortable and stress-free study experience in Russia.

The table below outlines the typical monthly expenses that Indian students can expect while studying in Russia:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (RUB)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Shared Accommodation (Off-campus)	15,000 to 30,000	INR 16k to INR 32k
On-campus Accommodation	8,000 to 15,000	INR 18.5K to INR 16K
Food (Eating Out)	5,000 to 15,000	INR 5.3K to INR 16K
Groceries	4,000 to 10,000	INR 4.2K to INR 10.5K
Transportation	1,000 to 3,000	INR 1K to INR 3.2K
Utilities	1,500 to 3,000	INR 1.6K to INR 3.2K
Entertainment	500 to 3,000	INR 0.5K to INR 3.2K
Miscellaneous	500 to 3,000	INR 0.5K to INR 3.2K
Total (Off-campus)	20,000 to 50,000	INR 21k to INR 54k
Total (On-campus)	17,500 to 28,500	INR 18.6K to INR 30.2k

Note: INR values are estimates and may vary with currency conversion rates at the time of the transaction. Actual costs can fluctuate based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate changes.

Now that you have a clearer view of your monthly expenses, let's find out the specific costs of studying in Russia for international students.

Cost of Studying in Russia for International Students

Russia has become a top destination for students worldwide, with over 43 lakh enrolled in its institutions, including approximately 31,400 from India. 

The country offers a world-class education system and diverse opportunities for international students. In fact, the number of students pursuing higher education such as MBBS in Russia has increased by around 35% compared to the previous year.

Tuition fees in Russia’s top universities and colleges can vary significantly, so it's important for prospective students to plan their finances accordingly. On average, annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs range from RUB 150,000 to RUB 400,000 (INR 1.6L to INR 4.3L).

Below is a breakdown of the average annual tuition fees across different course levels in Russia.

Course Level	Annual Tuition Fee (RUB)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
Bachelor’s Degree	150,000 to 400,000	INR 1.6L to INR 4.3L
Master’s Degree	200,000 to 450,000	INR 2.1L to INR 4.8L
Doctoral Degree	180,000 to 350,000	INR 1.9L to INR 3.7L

After understanding the study fees, let's discuss which institutions offer the most affordable options.

Universities with Affordable Tuition in Russia for Indian Students

Russia has 776 higher education institutions across 82 regions that accept international students, including over 70 medical universities. These universities offer internationally recognized degrees with tuition fees significantly lower than many other countries, making Russia an attractive option for Indian students.

For example, top medical and technical universities in Russia charge between RUB 220,000 and RUB 450,000 (INR 2.4L to INR 4.8L) annually for UG programs. 

Meanwhile, reputable institutions like Novosibirsk State University and Kazan Federal University offer courses within RUB 150,000 to RUB 300,000 (INR 1.6L to INR 3.2L) per year, providing affordable, quality education with global recognition.

Here's a table of Russia's most affordable universities and their average 2025 tuition fees:

University	Average Annual Tuition Fee (RUB)	Average Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
Lomonosov Moscow State University	489,694	5.2L
St. Petersburg State University	362,600	3.9L
Novosibirsk State University	414,032	4.4L
Tomsk State University	262,400	2.8L
Ural Federal University	248,000	2.7L

Moreover, these universities offer affordable tuition fees along with various scholarships. For instance, Moscow State University provides tuition fee waivers ranging from USD 34 (INR 2.9k) to USD 43 (INR 3.7k) per semester.

Now that you’ve explored the most affordable institutions, let’s take a closer look at how living costs differ across various regions in Russia.

Cost of Living in Russia per Month: City List

The average monthly living costs for a single person in Russia range from RUB 20,000 to RUB 35,000 (INR 21k to INR 37k), depending on factors like rent, groceries, and utilities.

For reference, a family of four might spend between RUB 120,000 and RUB 150,000 (INR 1.3L to INR 1.6L) per month. On the global scale, Moscow ranks 250th in the Cost of Living Index for 2025, out of 327 cities.

As living costs can vary significantly across different regions, examining the cost patterns by area provides a clearer understanding of what to expect.

Top 10 Expensive Cities in Russia

Russia’s major cities like Moscow and Sochi are known for their luxury and high property prices. In the second quarter, the average cost per square meter of residential real estate was approximately RUB 171,200 (INR 1.8L) for new constructions and RUB 110,100 (INR 1.2L) for second-hand properties. 

Specifically, in Moscow's primary housing market, the price reached RUB 499,100 (INR 5.3L) per square meter during this period.

Below is a comparison of the ten most expensive suburbs in Russia, along with their estimated monthly living costs:

City	Average Monthly Cost (RUB)	Average Monthly Cost (INR)
Moscow	124,500	INR 1.3L
St. Petersburg	97,500	INR 1.05L
Sochi	84,600	INR 90k
Kazan	73,400	INR 78k
Yekaterinburg	76,500	INR 82k
Novosibirsk	69,800	INR 74k
Samara	65,600	INR 70k
Krasnoyarsk	69,200	INR 74k
Ufa	67,200	INR 71.5k
Volgograd	56,900	INR 60.5k

Note: The actual cost may vary depending on the current exchange rates.

Next, let's focus on the other end of the spectrum and explore the top cheapest cities in Russia, where affordability meets opportunity.

Top 10 Cheapest Cities in Russia

Russian cities like Nizhny Novgorod and Yekaterinburg offer affordable living options for students, making them attractive alternatives to the high costs of Moscow and St. Petersburg. 

While central Moscow rents can exceed RUB 70,000 (INR 80k) per month, cities like Tomsk, Kazan, and Samara provide student accommodation for as low as RUB 10,000 to RUB 20,000 (INR 10.6k to INR 21k) per month. These cities also feature good public transport, vibrant student communities, and proximity to leading universities. 

Here is a table of the top ten cheapest cities in Russia for students, highlighting average monthly living costs and key features

City	Average Monthly Cost (RUB)	Average Monthly Cost (INR)
Voronezh	44,800	INR 48K
Lipetsk	43,000	INR 46K
Saratov	45,000	INR 48k
Kursk	45,000	INR 48k
Penza	46,000	INR 49k
Cheboksary	46,000	INR 49k
Ryazan	47,000	INR 50k
Tula	48,000	INR 51K
Kirov	50,000	INR 53k
Orenburg	51,000	INR 54k

Note: The actual cost may differ based on the current exchange rates.

Living in these cities lets you spend more on education and personal growth instead of high rent. They also offer rich communities with cultural events, affordable dining, and student-friendly amenities.

Next, let's discuss the additional costs of living in Russia, including utilities, entertainment, and other essential expenses

Cost of Living in Russia: Additional Costs

Besides rent and food, budget for essentials like health insurance, clothing, study materials, and entertainment. In Russia, Obligatory Medical Insurance (OMI) costs RUB 10,000 to 45,000 (INR 10.5K to 48K) yearly, typically paid monthly and accounting for 2-3% of your budget. Costs may vary seasonally by up to 10%, so plan carefully to avoid surprises.

Below is a table summarizing the key additional monthly costs for students in Russia:

Category	Monthly Cost (RUB)	Monthly Cost (INR)
OMI (averaged monthly)	333 to 9,000	INR 350 to 9.5k
Clothing	500 to 3,000	INR 530 to INR 3.2K
Study Materials/Supplies	500 to 2,000	INR 530 to INR 2.1K
Mobile/Internet	500 to 1,500	INR 530 to INR 1.6K
Personal Care	4,000 to 8,000	INR 4.2K to INR 8.5K
Entertainment/Leisure	1,000 to 4,000	INR 1.1K to INR 4.2K

Note: The actual cost may vary depending on the current exchange rates.

While often overlooked, these additional costs are crucial for ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling student experience. By planning ahead, you can avoid compromising on health, connectivity, or social life while studying abroad.

Next, let’s understand practical strategies and actionable tips to save money during study abroad in Russia, without sacrificing your quality of life.

How to Reduce Your Living Costs in Russia? Key Tips

Living in Russia offers a high quality of life, but costs can quickly add up. However, with careful financial planning, students can stretch their budgets significantly. Many international students can save 20-30% on monthly expenses by making small adjustments like meal prepping or utilizing student discounts.

Here are some practical tips to help reduce your living costs in Russia:

• Choose Shared Accommodation: Opting for shared accommodation, especially in cities like Moscow, can reduce your rent by 5-10% compared to living alone.
• Use Student Discounts: Take full advantage of student discounts available for transport, entertainment, and shopping. These can save you RUB 1,000 to RUB 2,500 (INR 1,000 to INR 2,500) per month.
• Cook at Home: Preparing your meals instead of eating out can cut your food expenses by up to 40%.
• Buy Second-hand: Save money on textbooks, furniture, and electronics by purchasing them from student groups or online marketplaces.
• Use Public Transport: The Troika card in Russia offers student fares and weekly caps, making public transport much more affordable.
• Limit Utility Use: Simple habits, like turning off lights when not in use or taking shorter showers, can reduce your utility bills by 5-10%.
• Plan Social Activities Wisely: Take advantage of free city events, student nights, and outdoor attractions to keep entertainment costs low.
• Track Your Spending: Use budgeting apps to monitor your expenses and avoid unnecessary purchases.

By following these strategies, you can save money while leading a sustainable and independent lifestyle. With a bit of planning, you'll be able to focus more on your academic goals and less on managing your finances.

How Can upGrad Support Your Study Abroad Journey in Russia?

Managing the financial aspects of studying in Russia requires careful planning, especially when balancing tuition, rent, and daily expenses. Our education experts can guide you on every step of the way, helping you make smarter decisions for both your studies and your budget.

With upGrad, you can:

• Receive expert assistance in choosing affordable universities and selecting the right course for your career goals.
• Compare living costs across different cities to avoid overspending.
• Learn about available scholarships, discounts, and convenient loan options.
• Get comprehensive support with university applications, documentation, and visa processes.

This support makes your journey smoother and less stressful while helping you take control of your finances. Don’t miss out, book a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad’s education experts today and increase your chances of securing a spot at Russia’s top universities!