What is the Cost of Living in Russia 2024?

Did you know? The Russian Government has been actively promoting educational opportunities for Indian students, particularly in fields like medicine and technology? Offering increased scholarships is part of their strategy, which is expected to grow from the current 200 to 500, specifically allocated to Indians. 

Further, as reported by the Director of the Russian House in New Delhi, the number of Indian students studying in Russia is approximately 25,000 to 30,000. This data is proof of the growing interest and preference of Indian students to study in Russia.

Feeling confident about your decision to study in Russia? If so, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the cost of living in the country.

Read this comprehensive guide to explore the cost of living in Russia in 2024 for you as an Indian student. This includes essential aspects such as accommodation options, transportation, food expenses, and other necessary costs. 

By understanding these details, you can effectively manage your budget and make the most of your studying experience in this vibrant country.

Key Highlights

Here is a snapshot of everything you can expect to read in this comprehensive guide on the cost of living in Russia for Indian students. 

Highlights	Details
Number of Indian Students Studying in Russia	25,000 to 30,000
Cost of Living in Russia	INR 43K (RUB 45,000) per month without rent
Average Rent in the City Centre	INR 77K (RUB 80,800) monthly for 1 bedroom
Top Universities in Russia	Moscow State University Bauman Moscow State Technical University Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Average Tuition Fees in Russia	INR 1.1L to INR 8.2L (RUB 1,22,000 to RUB 8,80,000) per year
Average Salary	INR 69K (RUB 73,709) per month
Top Scholarships	Russian Government Scholarships Tomsk Polytechnic University International Scholarships

Why Choose Russia?

Did you know that Russia ranks 6th globally in terms of its educated population, with an impressive education attainment rate of 62.09%? This statistic highlights Russia’s strong commitment to education, which has resulted in a highly educated population. 

Read on to learn why Russia is an excellent choice for Indian students. 

1. Academic Excellence: According to the QS World University Rankings for 2025, Russia boasts 10 universities that are listed among the top 500 globally. Moscow State University, one of the oldest and highly reputed institutions of higher education in Russia, holds the 94th position.  

2. Promising Opportunities for Indian Students: Russia offers a pool of opportunities across various fields, from renowned medical programs conducted in English to excellence in engineering and technology, literature, economics, and agriculture. 

This range of educational offerings ensures that Indian students can choose their field of interest in a supportive environment, with 25,000 to 30,000 Indian students already studying there. 

3. Low Cost of Living in Russia: The cost of living in Russia per month is generally lower than in Western Europe, averaging around INR 43K (RUB 45,400) (excluding rent). This makes Russia a favourable destination for students seeking high-quality education abroad without burning a hole in their pockets. 

4. Scholarship Opportunities: The Indo-Russian Education Summit 2024 demonstrates Russia’s dedication to providing Indian students with exceptional educational opportunities. Rus Education pledges scholarships totalling INR 40L, aiming to enhance access to quality education for deserving students.

5. Affordable Tuition Fees: Education in Russia is relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. The average tuition cost varies from INR 1.1L to INR 8.2L (RUB 1,22,000 to RUB 8,80,000) per year in Russia, while in the United States, it typically ranges between INR 4L to INR 40L ($5,000 to $50,000). 

Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students

Russia, renowned as the world’s largest country, provides top-notch education to students. A student in Russia needs around INR 25K to INR 33K (RUB 26,800 to RUB 35,600) per month, totalling INR 2.5L to INR 3.3L (RUB 2,67,000 to RUB 3,56,000) per academic year (September to June). 

It’s advisable to allocate an additional INR 25K to INR 33K (RUB 26,800 to RUB 35,600) for other expenses such as medical insurance, setting up living arrangements in an apartment or dormitory and purchasing books. 

The overall cost of living in Russia is approximately INR 43K (RUB 45,000) per month without rent. However, please note that the average cost of living in Russia can vary significantly depending on your location, lifestyle choices, and spending habits. Further, the overall cost of living in Russia differs from one city to another. 

Here are the details regarding the cost of living in Russia, which varies from city to city.

City	Cost of Living Per Month (Without Rent)
Moscow	INR 54K (RUB 56,500)
Kazan	INR 41K (RUB 43,400)
Saint Petersburg	INR 48K (50,148)
Novosibirsk	INR 44K (RUB 44,322)
Kaliningrad	INR 43K (RUB 43,257)

Also Read: Cost of living in the USA 

Cost of Accommodation in Russia

When you’re planning to move to Russia for higher studies, one crucial factor to think about is your accommodation budget. Rental prices vary significantly based on where you choose to live and the type of housing you prefer. For example, if you’re studying in Moscow, expect higher rent compared to smaller cities like Kazan or Yekaterinburg. 

Additionally, renting a flat or apartment will generally cost more than staying in on-campus accommodation. 

Here is an example to help you understand the same. 

University	Accommodation Cost Per Year
Moscow State University	INR 1L to INR 1.6L (RUB 1,10,000 to RUB 1,77,000)

Rent Comparison: Moscow Vs Kazan

Did you know that the cost of living including rent in Kazan is 34.3% lower than in Moscow? Hence, Indian students planning to study in Russia, particularly in Moscow, should consider this when planning their overall cost of living in Russia per month.  

Here’s a table that enlists the monthly cost of living in Russia’s different cities for Indian students. 

Apartment Location	Estimated Cost of Living in Moscow, Russia	Estimated Cost of Living in Kazan, Russia
1 bedroom apartment in the city centre	INR 77K (RUB 80,800)	INR 34K (RUB 36,000)
1 bedroom apartment outside of centre	INR 46K (RUB 48,000)	INR 22K (RUB 23,000)
3 bedroom apartment in city centre	INR 1.5L (RUB 1,66,000)	INR 61K (RUB 64,000)
3 bedroom apartment outside of centre	INR 85K (RUB 89,000)	INR 41K (RUB 43,000)

Cost of Food in Russia

Lunch at cafes and restaurants in Moscow typically costs between INR 750 and INR 1,880 (RUB 800 and RUB 2,000) on average. Fast-food options are even more budget-friendly. It is important to note that a lot depends on the region where people live and choose to shop, whether it’s at local corner shops or larger supermarkets.

For instance, an inexpensive meal at a restaurant such as Vai Me in Moscow, Russia, typically costs around INR 670 (RUB 700). However, a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant like Anderson for 2 people would cost approximately INR 2,800 (RUB 3,000).

Here is an overview of the food cost, including groceries, to help you effectively plan your budget.

Particulars	Estimated Cost
McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	INR 380 (RUB 400)
Cappuccino (regular)	INR 165 (RUB 175)
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle)	INR 72 (RUB 76)
Water (0.33 litre bottle)	INR 35 (RUB 37)
1 Litre Milk	INR 75 (78)
500g Loaf of Fresh White Bread	INR 45 (RUB 47)
12 Eggs (regular)	INR 115 (RUB 121)
1kg Apples	INR 105 (RUB 112)
1kg Banana	INR 110 (RUB 115)
1kg Tomato	INR 185 (RUB 195)
1kg Onion	INR 40 (RUB 42)

Transportation Cost in Russia

Here’s an interesting fact: Navigating Russian cities is made easy with mobile maps that function offline, such as OsmAnd and Mobile Yandex maps. Make sure to download them before you start your journey to stay connected without needing Internet access.

When planning your monthly budget in Russia as an international student, it’s important to consider transportation costs. Prices can vary from city to city – places like Moscow and St. Petersburg tend to have higher transportation expenses compared to smaller towns such as Kazan. However, Russia’s public transport system is excellent and makes it easy to get around affordably.

Students most commonly use buses, fixed-route or private taxis, metro and suburban trains for transportation. The best part is full-time students at state-accredited Russian universities get substantial discounts on public transport fares. 

Here is a breakdown of transportation discount options and costs for students.

Transportation Type	Cost
Unlimited Monthly Metro Pass in Moscow	INR 383 (RUB 405)
Suburban Trains Within a Single Region*	Entitled to a 50% discount on travel

During ticket checks on both public and suburban transport in Russia, along with your travel pass, you must present a valid student ID to confirm your eligibility for the discounted fare.

Read on to explore the estimated cost of public transportation in Russia. 

Particulars	Estimated Cost
Subway Cost Single Journey	INR 53 (RUB 57)
Subway 60 Journey Travel Card	INR 1,865 (RUB 1,970)
Monthly Underground Card (Student Discount)	INR 380 (RUB 405)
Bus, Trolleybus, Tram	INR 53 (RUB 57)

Cost of Utilities in Russia

The basic utility cost in Russia includes essential services such as water, electricity, and gas. These costs are 32% lower in Kazan compared to Moscow. When considering the cost of living in Russia, Indian students should research and plan accordingly to manage expenses effectively.

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the cost of living in Russia for Indian students, focusing on utility costs. 

Particulars	Estimated Cost Per Month
Internet – 60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable	INR 540 (RUB 564)
Basic – Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, and more	INR 8,070 (RUB 8,430)
Mobile Phone – Calls and 10GB+ Data	INR 442 (RUB 460)

Cost of Living in Russia vs USA, UK, Australia and Canada

Curious to compare the cost of living in Russia with the US? Here’s an eye-opener: living in the US is 176.6% costlier than in Russia.

Comparing the monthly cost of living can provide valuable insights into the affordability of studying or living in different countries.  

Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Russia versus the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada.

Country	Monthly Cost of Living (Excluding Rent)
Russia	INR 43K (RUB 45,000)
USA	INR 97K ($1,165)
UK	INR 86K (£811.5)
Australia	INR 92K ($1,660)
Canada	INR 88K ($1,445)

Top 5 Universities in Russia

Russia is increasingly attracting Indian students, and with good reason. World-class universities such as Lomonosov Moscow State University (ranked 94th globally!) and Bauman Moscow State Technical University (impressively ranked 298th!) combine academic excellence with affordability, making them appealing choices for students. 

Here’s a list of the top 5 universities in Russia for international students and their respective rankings per the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Top Universities in Russia	QS World University Rankings 2025
Moscow State University	94
Bauman Moscow State Technical University	298
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia	316
St. Petersburg State University	365
Kazan Federal University	401

Read on to learn about the tuition fees you’ll encounter at these universities in Russia.

Please note: The annual tuition fees can vary significantly depending on the university and the specific course of study. The figures provided here are indicative.

1. Moscow State University (MSU)

Founded in 1755, Moscow State University (MSU) stands as one of Russia’s oldest and most esteemed universities. 

Undergraduates at MSU have the option to select from 128 different qualifications offered across its 39 faculties. Postgraduate students can specialise in 18 branches of science and humanities, encompassing a total of 168 distinct areas of study.

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	Bioengineering Mathematics Chemistry Biology
Average Annual Tuition Fees	INR 5.8L to INR 7.5L (RUB 6,20,000 to RUB 7,90,000)

2. Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU)

Established in 1830, Bauman Moscow State Technical University is renowned as a leading technical university in Russia, particularly celebrated for its engineering programs. 

Emphasising research and innovation, the university attracts students and scholars from across the globe seeking excellence in engineering education. 

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Computer Science Power Engineering
Average Annual Tuition Fees	INR 3.6L to INR 3.7L (RUB 3,90,000 to RUB 3,95,000)

3. Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)

Did you know: According to UIGreenmetric, RUDN University has been ranked as the greenest university in Russia and holds the 26th position among universities worldwide.

What’s more? The university accommodates over 10,000 international students from more than 160 countries and offers over 2,000 continuing education programs.

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	Dentistry Economics Mechanical Engineering Law
Average Annual Tuition Fees	INR 4.3L to INR 9.1L (RUB 4,60,000 to RUB 9,70,000)

4. St. Petersburg State University (SPbU)

Founded in 1724, St. Petersburg State University is a prestigious public research institution located in St. Petersburg, Russia. Known for its dedication to academic excellence and scientific research, the university offers 500 degree programs and more than 700 non-degree programs.

Also, did you know that Vladimir Lenin, the prominent Russian revolutionary, was an alumnus of this university? 

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	Natural Sciences Social Sciences Arts and Culture Engineering and Technology
Average Annual Tuition Fees	INR 2.6L to INR 5.2L (RUB 2,80,000 to RUB 5,60,000)

5. Kazan Federal University (KFU)

Founded in 1804, Kazan Federal University is one of Russia’s oldest and most esteemed institutions. It is situated in the city of Kazan.

What’s more? The university offers over 600 education programs to a diverse student body of over 52,000 including more than 11,500 international students.

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees at this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	Natural Sciences Engineering and Technology Humanities Law
Average Annual Tuition Fees	INR 2L to INR 5L ( RUB 2,20,000 to RUB 5,40,000) per year

Affordable Universities in Russia

Unsurprisingly, universities in Russia are renowned for their reputation. If you’re considering international study in Russia on a budget, here is a list of affordable universities to make your decision easier. This can significantly reduce your cost of living in Russia while still offering high-quality education.

Read on to find out the best universities in Russia that offer high-quality education without breaking the bank. 

Universities	Annual Tuition Fees
Russian State Social University	Starts from INR 2L (RUB 2,22,000)
Russian New University	Starts from INR 2.7L (RUB 2,90,000)

Scholarships to Reduce Cost of Living in Russia

In 2024, the Russian government’s annual 100% scholarship programme is all set to provide grants to 200 Indian students, continuing a tradition of supporting graduate and postgraduate studies at Russia’s top universities tuition-free.

Are you also looking to ease the financial burden of studying in Russia? Good news awaits! Russia offers a range of scholarships, both from universities and the government, aimed at helping Indian students manage their cost of living. 

Read on to explore some of the prestigious scholarships available to support your studies in Russia.

Scholarship Programme	Offered By	Benefit
Russian Government Scholarships	Government of Russia	Free tuition for the entire duration of the chosen programme
Scholarship of the Theoretical Physics and Mathematics Advancement Foundation “BASIS”	Moscow State University and funded by the Russian Government	Monthly stipends of RUB 25,000 to RUB 60,000 (INR 23.5K to INR 56.5K)
Tomsk Polytechnic University International Scholarships	Tomsk Polytechnic University	Academic scholarship with a grant of RUB 50,000 (INR 47K)

How to Reduce the Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students?

Living as an Indian student in Russia generally offers comfort, particularly with affordable expenses like groceries and utilities, even in major cities such as Moscow. In smaller cities such as Kazan, these costs are even lower, including reduced expenditures on daily expenses. 

That said, the cost of living in Russia varies depending on your lifestyle and what seems like small expenses may accumulate rapidly. Studying and living in Russia presents excellent opportunities for Indian students.

Here are some tips to help you manage and minimise your living expenses effectively.

1. Part-Time Work

Did you know that international students have the opportunity to work part-time in Russia? To do so, you must be enrolled in a full-time study program at a recognised university or college in the country. It’s important for students to obtain a work permit before starting any part-time employment. 

Here are some top part-time jobs in Russia for international students, along with their average salaries:

Job Title	Average Salary (per hour)
Language Tutor	INR 835 – 4,174 (RUB 857 – 4,432 )
Hospitality Staff	INR 470 – 941 (RUB 500 – 1000)
Online Content Creator	INR  470 – 941(RUB 500 – 1000)
Retail Sales Assistance	INR 422 – 941 (RUB 443 – 1000)
Social Media Evaluator	INR 1,085  – 1,412 (RUB 1,152 – 1500)

However, when universities’ International Offices assist students in finding employment opportunities like contract work, a separate work permit may not be required. The Russian government allows students to work up to 4 hours per day or 20 hours per week outside of their studies without requiring an additional permit.

2. Accommodation Hacks

To reduce your cost of living in Russia, think twice about renting an apartment and instead check out accommodation options at the universities.

Here are the details about on-campus housing options offered by several universities in Russia. 

University	Accommodation Cost
Moscow State University	INR 1L to INR 1.6L (RUB 1,10,000 to RUB 1,77,000) per year
RUDN University	INR 1,690 to INR 12.5K (RUB 1,800 to RUB 13,400) per month

3. Practice Cooking Meals

Start practising cooking meals a few weeks before your flight to Russia. Another option is to eat at university dining halls, which are generally affordable.

For instance, Mari State University, one of the best universities for MBBS in Russia, charges INR 93.5K (RUB 1,00,000) for food services that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, customised to students’ preferences.

Top 5 High-Paying Jobs That Quickly Recover Your Initial Investment in Education

Did you know: As of February 2024, the employment rate in Russia rose to 60.70%, up from 60.60% in January of the same year.

That being said, whether you’re seeking opportunities in technology, healthcare, education, or any other field, Russia provides a wide array of job roles. This diversity ensures that you can find employment that aligns with your interests and qualifications.

Furthermore, regular employees in Russia are entitled to 28 calendar days of basic annual leave. This generous leave policy is just one reason to consider working in Russia.

Here is a list of the top-paying jobs with their average annual salary in Russia.

Top 5 High-Paying Jobs	Average Monthly Salary
Surgeon	INR 1.8L to INR 4.3L (RUB 2,00,000 to RUB 4,60,000)
Lawyer	INR 1.8L to INR 2.8L (RUB 1,96,000 to RUB 3,00,000)
Orthodontist	INR 2.8L to INR 4.5L (RUB 3,00,000 to RUB 4,85,000)
Bank Manager	INR 1.6L to INR 2.5L (RUB 1,80,000 to RUB 2,75,000)
Judge	INR 93K to INR 2.3L (RUB 1,00,000 to RUB 2,50,000)

List of Top Recruitment Companies

Did you know: In 2023, the average nominal salary in Russia was recorded at INR 69K (RUB 73,709) per month, reflecting an increase of INR 7,860 (RUB 8,371) compared to the previous year.

Interested in knowing about the leading recruitment companies for jobs in Russia? Here’s a list of firms actively looking for new talent.

• Yandex
• Amrop
• Deloitte
• EY
• KPMG
• Unity Business Solutions

Conclusion

Living in Russia is generally affordable for Indian students because housing, food, and transportation costs are lower compared to Western countries. If you’re on a tight budget, consider studying in a smaller Russian city such as Kazan or Yekaterinburg.

Remember, planning ahead and exploring scholarship options can significantly ease financial concerns, making your study abroad learning experience in Russia both feasible and fulfilling.

We’ve covered everything from accommodation to food and utilities to give you a clear picture of the cost of living in Russia for Indian students. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At Leap Scholar, our aim is to turn your dream of studying abroad into a reality.

Related Article: Cost of living in the UK

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