The cost of living in Russia depends on your city, accommodation, and lifestyle. A single person spends around ₽56,877 (₹64,899) per month, excluding rent, while a family of four may need ₽204,870 (₹2.34 lakh). A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost ₽30,000-124,375 (₹34,200-1,41,788) per month, while university hostel accommodation is generally much cheaper. All INR conversions in this article are approximate, based on an exchange rate of ₽1 = ₹1.14, as of October 2026.
Moscow and St Petersburg are among the more expensive cities for students, while regional cities such as Kazan and Novosibirsk generally offer more affordable accommodation and everyday expenses. Choosing a university hostel, cooking at home, and using public transport can help Indian students manage the living cost in Russia for international students.
This article breaks down the monthly and yearly cost of living in Russia for Indian students and compares expenses across major cities. It also explains accommodation, food, transport, healthcare, education fees, and leisure costs. You’ll find one-time expenses and practical budgeting tips here too, so your move to Russia doesn’t catch you off guard.
Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students per Month (2026)
Housing is what moves the average cost of living in Russia the most. If you plan to study in Russia, a shared room or a university hostel will cost far less than a private flat where every bill lands on you.
Monthly Living Expenses in Russia for Students
Now here's how to make your monthly budget as a student in India. Use these ranges as a guideline rather than an exact figure because they may vary depending on location, lifestyle, and accommodation styles:
Expense Category
Approximate Monthly Cost (RUB/INR)
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre
₽30,000-124,375 (₹34,200-1,41,788)
Food and groceries
₽10,000-20,000 (₹11,400-22,800)
Local transport
₽1,000-4,500 (₹1,140-5,130)
Utilities and internet
₽800-5,000 (₹912-5,700)
Healthcare and insurance
₽1,000-3,000 (₹1,140-3,420)
Personal and leisure expenses
₽2,000-8,000 (₹2,280-9,120)
Note: Some hostels include utilities in their fees, while private accommodation can push monthly spending up. Tuition fees and one-time relocation costs aren’t included.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Russia by Profile
The table below summarises indicative monthly living cost in Russia for international students. Rent and tuition are shown separately where applicable:
Looking at a whole year at once makes it easier to see what you’ll pay for again and again: food, accommodation, transport and utilities. The yearly cost of living in Russia swings quite a bit, depending on whether you live in a university hostel or rent a private apartment.
The following table gives indicative annual budgets based on the monthly ranges shown earlier:
Household or Accommodation Type
Approximate Annual Cost (RUB/INR)
Single person, excluding rent
₽682,524 (₹7.78 lakh)
Family of four, excluding rent
₽2,458,436 (₹28.03 lakh)
These figures do not include tuition fees or one-off relocation fees. Adjust as needed for your own personal requirements, your rental agreement, your city, and your university.
Accommodation in Russia: University Hostel vs Private Flat
Accommodation takes up a big share of the cost of living in Russia for Indian students. University hostels are often the cheaper choice, while a private flat gives you more privacy but usually comes with higher rent and extra household bills.
The table below compares common accommodation choices using indicative monthly rental ranges:
Accommodation Type
Approximate Monthly Rent (RUB/INR)
University hostel
₽2,000-12,000 (₹2,280-13,680)
Private hostel or student residence
₽8,000-25,000 (₹9,120-28,500)
Shared private apartment
₽10,000-35,000 (₹11,400-39,900)
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre
₽30,000-124,375 (₹34,200-1,41,788)
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre
₽23,000-68,765 (₹26,220-78,392)
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre
₽50,000-257,333 (₹57,000-2,93,360)
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre
₽40,000-125,156 (₹45,600-1,42,678)
University Hostel vs Private Flat
University hostel (₽2,000-12,000 / ₹2,280-13,680 per month): The cheapest way to live, and the campus is on your doorstep. You’ll probably share the kitchen, bathroom, and common areas with other students, though it varies by university.
Private hostel or student residence (₽8,000-25,000 / ₹9,120-28,500 per month): You pay more, and in return you get a place made for students, usually with a few more comforts. Room-sharing and what’s included differ a lot between residences, so look closely before you commit.
Additional costs: Ask early whether utilities, internet, and other services come with the rent. A surprise bill is the last thing a student budget needs.
Rents shift with the city, the neighbourhood and the kind of property. If your budget is tight, a university hostel tends to be the smarter pick over a private flat you’d be paying for alone.
Cost of Living in Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan and Other Cities
Your budget can be affected if you pick the wrong city. The highest costs in terms of housing and lifestyle are located in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Head to a regional city and rent and daily spending drop, which is a big reason many international students go that way.
The table below provides broad monthly planning ranges for students, including accommodation and basic living expenses:
City
Approximate Monthly Cost (RUB/INR)
Moscow
₽65,000-150,000 (₹74,100-1,71,000)
St Petersburg
₽50,000-110,000 (₹57,000-1,25,400)
Kazan
₽35,000-75,000 (₹39,900-85,500)
Nizhny Novgorod
₽35,000-75,000 (₹39,900-85,500)
Yekaterinburg
₽38,000-80,000 (₹43,320-91,200)
Novosibirsk
₽35,000-75,000 (₹39,900-85,500)
These are estimated numbers for a student budget. The actual cost will vary according to living in a university room versus your own, the amount of travelling you do, and your daily living habits and style.
Cost of Living in Moscow
Moscow is quite expensive. Apartments in the centre, restaurants and a lot of leisure activities cost far more than in most regional cities. Students can bring the bill down by opting for university accommodation and using public transport.
The table below outlines an indicative monthly student budget:
Food Costs in Russia, Including Indian Food and Groceries
One of the expenses you can manage is food in Russia. Students spend most of their time at home, and the cost of living in Russia remains affordable. The bill quickly mounts if you rely on imported ingredients or eat out.
Common grocery prices, such as items that are used daily, are listed below:
Don’t take these prices as fixed. They shift from city to city, shop to shop, and season to season. If you’re an Indian student, check early whether your usual spices, lentils, and other ingredients are easy to find and what they cost. It could even help you decide which city to live in.
Restaurant Costs in Russia
You may be surprised at the cost of eat-outs, whether at a restaurant, a cafe or a fast food establishment. Eat at home the majority of the time and only go out for special occasions, so it's easy to keep your food budget in check.
The table below shows approximate restaurant and cafe prices in Russia:
Prices will vary based on the city, neighborhood, and property. Always look at prices on the menu and be sure to set a monthly limit for dining out. That way it never sneaks up on you.
Transport Costs in Russia
Getting between your accommodation and university doesn’t have to be expensive. Public transport is usually the cheapest way to do it. The expenses depend on the city you live in, the frequency of your travels, and the methods used for transportation, including buses, metro, taxis, or combinations.
The table below lists common transport prices in Russia:
To save money, check out whether your college or city has a discount travel pass; if so, it can save you a pretty penny throughout your college years. Walking or cycling can also help you save on journey-to-work costs, if your journey is short enough and the weather and conditions are suitable.
Utilities and Internet Costs in Russia
A flat costs more than its rent. Utilities pile on top, and the gap is biggest in a private apartment, where a hostel would have covered much of it. So before you sign anything, add up what you’ll pay for heating, electricity, water, rubbish collection, mobile service and home internet.
The table below summarises typical monthly charges:
Winter bills won’t match summer ones, and a higher flat costs more to run than a small one. Ask the landlord early what the rent already covers. Find out too if heating is billed on its own.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Russia
Health costs are part of your student budget from day one, especially if you’re flying in from India for a multi-year degree. What you pay depends on your university, visa conditions, the insurance provider, and the services the policy covers.
The table below gives broad planning allowances. Confirm the required policy and the actual premium before you travel:
Expense
Approximate Cost (RUB/INR)
Basic student medical insurance, monthly budgeting allowance
₽1,000-3,000 (₹1,140-3,420)
Student medical insurance, annual budgeting allowance
₽6,000-36,000 (₹6,840-41,040)
Routine consultation or basic medical visit
₽500-3,000 (₹570-3,420)
Basic medicine allowance per month
₽500-2,000 (₹570-2,280)
Sports, Leisure and Personal Expenses in Russia
Leisure spending in Russia is mostly down to how you live. Gym visits, cinema nights, cafés and the odd paid sports session can add up faster than you’d think. Set a budget, and attend on-campus free or discounted events.
The table below lists sample prices for leisure activities and clothing:
If you’re coming from a warmer climate, expect to spend more on clothes. A proper winter jacket, boots, and thermal layers aren’t cheap. Compare prices and spread your seasonal shopping out, instead of buying everything the week you land.
Cost of Living in Russia for MBBS Students
Studying medicine in Russia means budgeting for much more than tuition. As an Indian student, you’ll need to plan for accommodation, food, transport, insurance, and university fees. The cost of living in Russia for MBBS students depends on the institution and the city, so keep tuition on its own line, apart from your daily expenses.
The table below provides an indicative monthly living budget for an MBBS student:
Expense
Approximate Monthly Cost (RUB/INR)
University hostel
₽2,000-12,000 (₹2,280-13,680)
Food and groceries
₽10,000-20,000 (₹11,400-22,800)
Local transport
₽1,000-4,500 (₹1,140-5,130)
Mobile and internet
₽800-2,200 (₹912-2,508)
Utilities, if charged separately
₽0-3,000 (₹0-3,420)
Personal and leisure expenses
₽2,000-8,000 (₹2,280-9,120)
Medical insurance budgeting allowance
₽1,000-3,000 (₹1,140-3,420)
Indicative monthly total
₽16,800-52,700 (₹19,152-60,078)
Hostels differ here. Some include utilities in the fee, and others bill them separately. Read the university’s latest fee schedule and accommodation terms before you decide.
One-Time Costs: Visa, Insurance, Registration and Winter Clothing
There are multiple expenses in your first month in Russia. Flights, the first rent payment, a deposit, registration and a few must-have purchases all hit at once, so it will probably cost more than any month after it. Work these figures out before you leave, and you’ll land with enough cash in hand.
The following table gives indicative allowances where prices depend on individual circumstances:
One-Time Expense
Approximate Cost (RUB/INR)
Flight from India to Russia
₽20,000-60,000 (₹22,800-68,400)
Rental deposit for a private apartment
₽20,000-124,375 (₹22,800-1,41,788)
Initial winter clothing
₽10,000-30,000 (₹11,400-34,200)
Bedding and basic household items
₽3,000-12,000 (₹3,420-13,680)
Initial groceries and essentials
₽3,000-8,000 (₹3,420-9,120)
Document copies, photographs, and miscellaneous setup
₽1,000-5,000 (₹1,140-5,700)
These are planning allowances, not fixed charges. Flight prices depend on the departure city and travel date, while rental deposits depend on the property and contract.
Apart from these costs, there are a few more charges when applying for a Russian Student Visa, as mentioned below:
Standard Government / Embassy Fee: USD 80 (₹7,555)
VFS / Application Centre Fees: ₹1,500 - ₹2,500
Mandatory Travel Insurance: ₹700 - ₹2,000
Registration Cost: ₽500-900 (₹570-1,026)
Education Costs in Russia
The cost of studying in Russia is separate from rent and everyday living costs. The amount can be very different from one university to another, and the course, the language you study in, and whether it’s a bachelor’s or master’s all change it. Don’t accept an offer until you’ve seen the whole course fee, the dates you’ll need to pay by, and any other charges that get added.
The table below gives broad annual planning ranges for selected study options; actual university fees can vary:
Study Option
Approximate Annual Tuition (RUB/INR)
Preparatory or Russian-language programme
₽100,000-250,000 (₹1.14-2.85 lakh)
Bachelor's degree
₽150,000-450,000 (₹1.71-5.13 lakh)
Master's degree
₽180,000-500,000 (₹2.05-5.70 lakh)
MBBS or general medicine programme
₽250,000-700,000 (₹2.85-7.98 lakh)
Check the school's fee list where they're based. Check to see if the amount is for the entire year, semester, or some other timeframe.
Cost of Living in Russia vs India
The cost of living in Russia vs India depends on the cities being compared and whether rent is included. Russia can be more expensive for several everyday expenses, while the difference in housing costs depends on the neighbourhood and type of accommodation.
The table below compares selected expenses in Russia and India:
Expense
Approximate Cost in Russia (RUB/INR)
Approximate Cost in India (INR)
Single person, excluding rent per month
₽56,877 (₹64,899)
₹27,492
Family of four, excluding rent per month
₽204,870 (₹2.34 lakh)
₹98,577
One-bedroom apartment in city centre per month
₽30,000-124,375 (₹34,200-1,41,788)
₹7,000-58,609
One-bedroom apartment outside city centre per month
The cost of products differs from one city to another in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and smaller cities and towns. The India figures are not like-for-like comparisons of a survey from a given city.
If you make your budgeting based on some realistic estimation it will help you to better control them and will not lead to deeper cuts of home money. Make a list of your fixed items first, then try to cut down on food, travel, shopping, and leisure items. Review and change your financial statement in these first couple of months.
Here are some pointers; put the monthly budget in order:
Look after housing: Research what rooms in university housing and private rentals cost, including deposits, bills, and travel.
Neighbourhoods: A cheaper place to live often comes with a longer commute to work.
Pay fees directly: Pay tuition fees, compulsory fees, hostel charges, and similar costs through the fee pages on the university’s official website.
Verify insurance: Check that the policy meets your university’s and immigration’s requirements before you buy it.
Cook more meals at home: Buy your food at the grocery store and cook at home instead of eating out or getting takeaway.
Use public transport: Get a bus or train pass, or look for travel discounts, so you can get around by bus and train.
Prepare for winter costs: Save up for winter clothes and shoes.
Monitor your spending: Track your spending in RUB, then convert it to INR to get a clear picture.
Keep an emergency fund: Set aside cash for illness, unscheduled travel or a sudden house move.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Russia can vary by city, the kind of accommodation, and the way you spend; all of which change the number. Individuals can live on about ₽56,877 (approximately ₹64,899) a month, excluding rent. The amount goes up to around ₽204,870 (approximately ₹2.34 lakh), excluding rent, for a four-member family.
Discuss the subject or topics thoroughly before heading out. Consider the rent prices of some of the cities, know your university's tuition and hostel fees, and allocate funds for food, travel, admission, and insurance. A hostel, home-cooked meals, and public transport will save you the most each month. Don’t forget the money you’ll need right at the start for flights, rental deposits, winter clothing, and other initial expenses. Plan for those early, and your study abroad journey begins on much steadier ground.
What is the average cost of living in Russia for a single person?
The cost of living in Russia is approximately ₽56,877 (approximately ₹64,899) per month for a single person, excluding rent. Count accommodation too, and you’re looking at ₽80,000 to ₽180,000 (approximately ₹91,200-₹2,05,200), depending on your city and how you live.
What is the cost of living in Russia for Indian students?
If a university hostel is chosen, Indian students can expect to find the cost of living in Russia to be approximately ₽25,000 to ₽50,000 (approximately ₹28,500-₹57,000) a month. If students rent privately, it goes up to ₽40,000-₽75,000 (approximately ₹45,600-₹85,500).
What is the cost of living in Russia vs India?
In some respects, it's more expensive in Russia: the obvious ones are services in restaurants and lodging. However, in Russia, their monthly expenditure can be around ₽56,877 (approximately ₹6,48,395), excluding rent. In India, that same person might spend ₹25,000 to ₹30,000.
How much is rent in Russia?
This depends on your location and the type of rent you get. Hostels at universities run ₽2,000-₽12,000 (₹2,280-₹13,680) a month. Shared apartments cost ₽10,000-₽35,000 (₹11,400-₹39,900). Apartments are priced up a lot, particularly in the city centres, including Moscow.
What is the cheapest Russian city for international students?
International students in other Russian cities, e.g., Kazan, Novosibirsk, or Nizhny Novgorod, could find living costs to be lower. Students there plan for ₽35,000-₽75,000 (₹39,900-₹85,500) a month, covering accommodation and basic expenses. You might find that your own number comes out differently depending on the money you spend, the location of the university, and housing.
Is Russia affordable for international students?
Yes, this is an affordable place for international students to study in Russia. Live in a university hostel, cook your own meals, and ₽25,000-₽50,000 (₹28,500-₹57,000) a month covers the basics. Additional costs are tuition fees and first- time relocation.
How much does a student need for rent in Russia?
Students staying in university hostels generally need ₽2,000-₽12,000 (₹2,280-₹13,680) monthly for rent. Shared private apartments may cost ₽10,000-₽35,000 (₹11,400-₹39,900), while private student residences can charge ₽8,000-₽25,000 (₹9,120-₹28,500).
How much does food cost for students in Russia?
International students in Russia spend ₽10,000-₽20,000 (₹11,400-₹22,800) a month on food and groceries. Eating at home, eating local goods, and avoiding most restaurants yourself will save you money. Some Indian specialty ingredients and spices may be imported and could represent an additional expense.
Is public transport expensive in Russia?
The cost of public transport is comparatively affordable for students in Russia. A monthly pass is ₽1,500-₽4,500 (₹1,710-₹5,130), and a single local ride is usually ₽40-₽88 (₹45.60-₹100.32). Some providers may also offer student discounts depending on the city and provider.
How much should I budget for unexpected expenses in Russia?
Have an emergency fund in addition to your monthly budget. It's to accommodate medical requirements, unexpected travel, relocation to new housing, or things that come up that are necessary purchases. Starting with at least ₽20,000-₽50,000 (₹22,800-₹57,000) makes sense, depending on your circumstances.
Is Russia cheaper than India?
No, not always. Russia can be more expensive than India for restaurant meals, accommodation, and some daily expenses. A single person’s monthly expenses in Russia average around ₽56,877 (₹64,899), excluding rent, compared with approximately ₹27,492 in India. University hostels and home-cooked meals can help students reduce costs.
Is Russia friendly for Indian students?
Russia can be a suitable study destination for Indian students, particularly those seeking affordable accommodation and education options. University hostels, local public transport, and cooking at home can help manage living expenses. However, students should consider language barriers, winter conditions, insurance requirements, and the support available at their university before deciding.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5052 articles published
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