Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students 2025

Russia in recent years has earned the spotlight for MBBS study aspirants from across the world for being affordable. But that's not it. Russian universities are also known for the best courses in Engineering, Aviation, Chemistry, and Astronomy.

However, the major reason to study in Russia for international students is its low cost of living. Cost of living in Russia for International students is way cheaper than many European countries. As the utilities, tuition fee, and living cost in Russia for international students is affordable and does not requires an international student to take loan for the same.

This Story also Contains

1. Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students 2025
2. Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Russia for International Students
3. Cost of Living in Major Cities in Russia
4. Cost of Studying in Russia
5. Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Russia

The average cost of living in Russia per month is anywhere between 30,000 Rubles to 40,000 Rubles. This data gives an approximate value of the cost of living in Russia as students and is subject to variated depending upon many individual factors.

According to popular statistics, the average cost of living in Russia for Indian students is 29% more expensive than in India. This article explores the cost of living in Russia for international students to provide useful information to study in Russia.

Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students 2025

Cost of living is a very important consideration for studying abroad in any country. It is required at the time of student visa application. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the minimum financial support required to sustain themselves during their stay in the country.

The cost of living in Russia per month in rupees 2025 for a single student is approximately INR 23,636. Below is the breakdown of the cost of living in Russia 2025 for international students.

Cost of Living in Russia per Month (approx.)

Cost of Living in Russia vs India

The average cost of living in Russia for Indian students is USD 615 per month and it is USD 440 per month in India.

• Overall cost of living in Russia is 29% more than in India.

• Rental prices in Russia are 39.0% higher than in India.

• Consumer Prices in Russia are 21.2% higher than in India (without rent).

Also Read:

• Study MBBS in Russia
• Advisory for Indian Students to Study MBBS in Russia
• Russia Student Visa

Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Russia for International Students

Study in Russia offers various residential facilities to international students. Many public universities provide on campus housing facilities, which are cheaper than off campus housing. That is why securing on campus housing is competitive in Russia.

University dormitories are the most common type of on campus housing and apartments are common in private rental facilities. Moscow and Petersburg are the costliest cities in Russia with high rental costs. Students applying to Russian universities are advised to apply as early as possible for on campus housing.

Accommodation cost for international students in Russia

Food and Groceries

Next major expense is taking care of food. There are two options to take care of nourishment while studying in Russia. Cooking in dormitories or private apartments or taking mess subscriptions. Cooking their own meals is cheaper.

The cost of a meal and groceries varies widely from city to city in Russia. The average expenditure towards food and groceries varies between 8,000 RUB–20,000 RUB per month.

Transportation

Transport becomes a major consideration for students living off campus as regular commuting is necessary. Students who live on campus may have less need for transportation unless they are going around a city or spending a week off. Russia has good public transportation systems: Buses and trains.

Here again, transportation costs tend to be higher in Moscow and St Petersburg compared to the rest of the country. Student concession passes are available.

Cost of Transportation in Russia

Medical Insurance

As per Russian Government rules, all international students must purchase health insurance within 15 days of arrival in the country. A medical insurance certificate serves as proof of a foreign citizen living in Russia. It is mandatory to avail of healthcare services from hospitals in Russia. The average cost of buying health insurance in Russia is 4,000 to 12,000 RUB per year.

Utilities

While studying in Russia, students may have to use the internet, mobile phones, and buy study materials. The average costs of buying a SIM card come to around 300 – 500 RUB per month.

Miscellaneous

These costs involve expenditure required for socialising, cultural pursuits, clothing, and other personal expenses. These vary widely depending on the lifestyle choices of a student. On average, study in Russia suggests that these can be up to 4000 RUB per month.

Cost of Living in Major Cities in Russia

The living cost in Russia for international students varies from city to city. Moscow and St Petersburg are the most expensive cities in Russia for students. They are the most beautiful, culturally rich cities as well. What city to choose in Russia is a decision to take based on affordability, requirements, lifestyle of individual students. The table below gives the approximate living expenses in Russia for international students in major cities.

Cost of Living in Russian Cities Overview

Cost of Living in Moscow

The living cost in Moscow for students are mentioned below.

Cost of Living in Yekaterinburg

Cost of Living in St. Petersburg

Cost of Living in Novosibirsk

Cost of Living in Kazan

Cost of Studying in Russia

Tuition fees are not included in the cost of living. Tuition fees vary from university to university and are mentioned on the official websites of respective universities. Students must also take into consideration scholarships availability, student loans when calculating tuition fees.

Average Tuition Fees in Russia for International Students

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Russia

• Make use of budgeting apps to track how much you spend.
• To reduce housing expenses, rent flats or share an apartment to divide the cost.
• Use the public transportation system in Russia.

• Purchase large quantities from wholesale retailers or go grocery shopping at the neighbourhood outdoor markets.

Also Read:

Top Medical Universities in Russia