Russia Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

No data

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

No data

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

No data

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$398

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Russia Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Russia presents a mixed cost of living scenario for expats and remote workers, with low average salaries potentially constraining affordability despite relatively reasonable utility costs. The digital infrastructure supports remote work, but rising costs in other areas could impact overall attractiveness. Investors should weigh these factors when considering the market's potential for residential or commercial property investment.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost approximately $150/month, consuming 37.7% of the average salary.
•Internet costs around $10/month, which is affordable at 2.5% of the average salary, making it favorable for remote workers.
•Mobile plans average $7/month, representing 1.8% of the monthly salary, providing good value for connectivity needs.
•Overall, basic utilities and connectivity combined can cost around $167/month, taking up 42% of the average salary, which is significant.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Utility costs have increased steadily over the past two decades, outpacing salary growth, which has remained relatively stagnant.
•Internet availability and speed have improved significantly since the early 2000s, with costs decreasing in proportion to service quality.
•Mobile plan pricing has decreased due to competitive market dynamics, providing better affordability compared to earlier decades.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats should budget approximately $200/month for utilities and connectivity, ensuring these costs are manageable within their overall budget.
•The affordability of utilities for average earners is strained, suggesting potential demand for budget-friendly housing options.
•Digital nomads will find the low cost and high quality of internet appealing, making Russia a competitive choice for remote work.
•Investors should monitor inflation trends and salary adjustments closely, as these will impact both rental yields and property values.

Market Context

Compared to Eastern European counterparts, Russia offers competitive utility and internet costs, although lower average salaries can limit overall affordability. Its improving digital infrastructure is a key advantage, but economic volatility remains a concern for sustained investment.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.