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Living Costs in Moscow vs. St. Petersburg: A 2026 Guide for Relocating Professionals

TRAVEL GUIDE

Comparing Moscow and St. Petersburg

For professionals and individuals considering a move to Russia, the two primary cities — Moscow and St. Petersburg — offer distinctly different living experiences and cost structures. While both are major cultural and economic centers, understanding their financial landscapes is crucial for effective planning. This article provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living in Moscow and St. Petersburg in 2026, drawing on the latest data to help you make an informed decision

At a Glance: Moscow vs. St. Petersburg

Let's summarize the key cost differences for a single person and a family, excluding rental expenses

Single Person (Monthly, excl. Rent)
Moscow - 61,071 RUB
Saint Petersburg - 54,160 RUB

Family of Four (Monthly, excl. Rent)
Moscow - 220,216 RUB
Saint Petersburg - 196,384 RUB

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
Moscow - 132,660 RUB
Saint Petersburg - 92,559 RUB

Housing and Accommodation Costs

Housing is typically the most significant monthly expense and the area where the difference between the two cities is most pronounced

Renting an Apartment: Rental prices in St. Petersburg are substantially lower than in Moscow across all segments.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about ₽66,875 in St. Petersburg compared to ₽112,857 in Moscow—a 40% saving.
For larger families, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for approximately ₽123,077 in St. Petersburg, which is less than half the Moscow price of ₽268,276.

Buying Property: The real estate market follows a similar pattern. The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is ₽326,071 in St. Petersburg, which is 59% lower than in Moscow, where it costs ₽795,615.

Food and Groceries

Daily food expenses are moderately lower in St. Petersburg. Let's compare average prices for common grocery item

Milk (1 liter)
Moscow - ₽102.27
Saint Petersburg - ₽94.97

White Bread (500g)
Moscow - ₽73.39
Saint Petersburg - ₽69.32

Eggs (12)
Moscow - ₽138.72
Saint Petersburg - ₽131.38

Chicken Fillets (1kg)
Moscow - ₽478.13
Saint Petersburg - ₽427.58

Apples (1kg)
Moscow - ₽150.96
Saint Petersburg - ₽148.63

When it comes to dining out, the savings in St. Petersburg are more significant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₽825 compared to ₽1,000 in Moscow, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is ₽1,000 cheaper (₽3,500 vs. ₽4,500).

Transportation

Public Transport: While a single one-way ticket is slightly more expensive in St. Petersburg (₽80 vs. ₽70), the monthly pass is a major differentiator. A monthly public transport pass costs ₽4,215 in St. Petersburg, which is 37% more than the ₽3,075 pass in Moscow.

Taxis: Taxis are considerably more expensive in St. Petersburg. The starting tariff is ₽250 (vs. ₽200 in Moscow), and the cost per kilometer is ₽65—a 140% increase over Moscow's ₽27.

Gasoline: Fuel costs are slightly lower in St. Petersburg at ₽61.87 per liter compared to ₽65.45 in Moscow.

Utilities, Leisure, and Childcare

Utilities & Communications: Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment are about 19% cheaper in St. Petersburg (₽10,124 vs. ₽12,436 in Moscow). Mobile phone plans and internet are also less expensive.

Sports and Leisure: A monthly fitness club membership is more affordable in St. Petersburg (₽3,391 vs. ₽3,666), as is renting a tennis court on the weekend (₽2,020 vs. ₽2,820).

Childcare: This is a major cost-saving area for families. Private preschool or kindergarten costs ₽34,059 per month per child in St. Petersburg, which is over 40% lower than the ₽58,913 required in Moscow.

Salary and Affordability

The higher costs in Moscow are partially offset by higher average earnings. The average monthly net salary in Moscow is ₽132,660, which is over ₽40,000 more than St. Petersburg's average of ₽92,559. This means that despite the steeper cost of living, the purchasing power for those securing a job in Moscow may be greater.

Conclusion and Relocation Tips

Choosing between Moscow and St. Petersburg involves balancing your budget with your lifestyle preferences.

Choose Moscow if: Your priority is career advancement and maximizing earning potential. The capital offers the highest salaries in the country, unparalleled career opportunities, and the dynamic pace of a global megacity. Be prepared for a higher cost of living, particularly for housing.
Choose St. Petersburg if: You are seeking a more affordable and leisurely lifestyle with a rich cultural and historical atmosphere. It offers significant savings on rent, childcare, and daily expenses, making it ideal for students, families, and those with a fixed budget.

Important Notice for 2026: The Russian economy has been affected by war and international sanctions, leading to high inflation and volatile exchange rates. It is advisable for expatriates to monitor the situation closely, as prices and economic conditions can change rapidly.
I hope this detailed comparison assists you in your relocation planning. If you have more specific questions about your potential move, please feel free to reach out for a personalized consultation.

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