Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students 2025

Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students 2025

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 25, 2025 12:30 PM IST

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
Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students 2025
Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students 2025

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.)

Expense Item

Costs per Month (in RUB)

Dormitory

5,000

Food

10,000

Transport

405

Internet, Mobile Phone

800

Culture, sport, entertainment

4,000

Total

20,205

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).

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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

Type of Accommodation

Cost per Month

University Dormitories

RUB 500 – 5,000

Apartments

Up to RUB 35,000, depending on the city


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

Mode of Transportation

Average Cost per Month (in RUB)

Train (Monthly Pass)

1970-2000

Train(Single Trip)

57

Train Monthly Pass with Student Concession

400-500

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

City in Russia

Living Costs per Month (in RUB)

Living Costs per Month (in INR)

Moscow

41,420

42,710

St Petersburg

38,200

39,390

Nizhny Novgorod

35,360

36,430

Samara

34,250

35,315

Yekaterinburg

33,380

34,420

Cost of Living in Moscow

The living cost in Moscow for students are mentioned below.

Particulars

Expense per Month (in RUB)

Accommodation

25,000-40,000

Food and Groceries

15,000-20,000

Transportation

2,730

Utilities

7,997

Entertainment

4,000-8,000

Cost of Living in Yekaterinburg

Particulars

Expense per Month (in RUB)

Accommodation

18,000-28,000

Food and Groceries

12,000-16,000

Transportation

2,500

Utilities

6,785

Entertainment

3,500-6,000

Cost of Living in St. Petersburg

Particulars

Expense per Month (in RUB)

Accommodation

25,000-35,000

Food and Groceries

13,000-18,000

Transportation

3,600

Utilities

7,245

Entertainment

3,000-6,000

Cost of Living in Novosibirsk

Particulars

Expense per Month (in RUB)

Accommodation

15,000-25,000

Food and Groceries

10,000-15,000

Transportation

2,500

Utilities

5,761

Entertainment

2,500-5,000

Cost of Living in Kazan

Particulars

Expense per Month (in RUB)

Accommodation

15,000-25,000

Food and Groceries

10,000-15,000

Transportation

2,500

Utilities

5,761

Entertainment

2,500-5,000

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

Type of Degree

Cost per Year (in RUB)

Bachelor’s Degree (4 Yr)

2,40,000–8,80,000

Masters Degree (2 Yr)

2,40,000–632,580

Medicine

200,000-600,000

Engineering

1,22,000–200,000+

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cost of living in Russia for Indian students?

Living expenses in Russia for international students is 29% more expensive than that of India. However, Russia is very affordable compared to many other countries.

2. How much is rent in Russia?

Rental costs in Russia vary from city to city and depending on the type of accommodation. University dormitories are the cheapest type of accommodation available to international students. Apartments are common private accommodation in Russia. On an average, rent ranges from 500-35,000 RUB per month.

3. How much money do you need to live comfortably in Russia?

An international student requires $300/month to live comfortably in Russia. This is around 24,890.75/month.

4. What is the average salary in Russia?

The average salary in Russia is approximately RUB 87, 950. This salary point is 19.3% higher than previous years.

5. Can I get a job in Russia without speaking Russian?

It is not impossible to get a job in RUssia without peaking Russian. However it can be challenging but, it depends on your industry and job profile that you are applying for. It is highly recommended by experts that you learn basic Russian before planning to work or study in Russia. This helps you communicate and understand daily conversations. 

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Yes, it is possible to find MBBS programs in Russia within a budget of 15 lakhs INR. Affordable tuition fees and low living costs make Russia a popular destination for Indian students seeking medical education.

Affordable Tuition:

The annual tuition fees for MBBS programs in Russia typically range from INR 3 to 4.5 lakhs. Some universities may charge slightly higher, but the overall cost is significantly lower than private medical colleges in India.

Low Cost of Living:

Russia's living expenses are also lower than in India, which helps to keep the overall cost of studying MBBS affordable.

State-Funded Universities:

Many medical universities in Russia are state-funded, which helps to keep tuition fees low.

Universities Offering Affordable Programs:

Several Russian medical universities offer MBBS programs at competitive prices, including Volgograd State Medical University and Kabardino Balkarian State Medical University.

Factors to Consider:

University Choice:

The overall cost will vary depending on the specific university, so research and compare different options.

Living Expenses:

Factor in the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.

Hidden Costs:

Be aware of any additional costs, such as visa fees, health insurance, and potential expenses for language training.

In conclusion, while the exact cost can vary, it is definitely possible to find a suitable MBBS program in Russia within a 15 lakh INR budget, especially by focusing on universities with competitive fees and considering the lower cost of living in Russia compared to India.

Hello Rakshitha,

South Ural State Medical University in Russia offers a 6 year MBBS program, including a mandatory 1-year internship. the university is recognized by the World Health Organization(WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI), allowing graduates to practice medicine internationally. Admission requires a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12, along with NEET qualification.

Hello Rakesh,

Here’s a list of top medical colleges for pursuing an MD after completing a Pharm D (7 years course + 1-year internship) from Russia or the Middle East:

Russia:

  1. Sechenov University (Moscow)
  2. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Moscow)
  3. Kazan Federal University
  4. St. Petersburg State University
  5. Crimean Federal University (Simferopol)
  6. Volgograd State Medical University
  7. Omsk State Medical University
  8. Rostov State Medical University

Middle East:

  1. King Saud University (Saudi Arabia)
  2. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar
  3. University of Sharjah (UAE)
  4. American University of Beirut (Lebanon)
  5. King Abdulaziz University (Saudi Arabia)
  6. United Arab Emirates University
  7. Qatar University
  8. Sultan Qaboos University (Oman)
  9. Dubai Medical College (UAE)
  10. American University of the Middle East (Kuwait)

These universities are renowned for their medical programs and offer opportunities for further specialization after a Pharm D.

To know more about medical colleges in Russia, visit : https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/top-medical-universities-in-russia

Hope it helps !

Hey there I am glad to help you,

Generally, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University does not provide any direct admission to students for MBBS courses in Russia. The admission is usually done via an entrance exam. The admission steps in Russia usually are as follows:

1. Eligibility Criteria: Basically, it encompasses academic eligibility criteria for applicants who generally have passed secondary education with main subjects focused on science.

2. Entrance Examination: Also, different programs take their own entrance exams, or  admit students based on the NEET score of Indian students.

3. Application Process :The student has to put in an application with transcripts, identification, and medical certificates.

4. Interview: The admission may include an interview to be conducted by the university.

5. Visa and Registration: In case of admission, a student is supposed to obtain a student visa and register at the university.

Hi,

Yes, there are colleges in Russia that offer direct admission to students for MBBS programs. Many Russian universities do not require students to clear entrance exams like NEET for admission, especially for international students. However, if you plan to practice in India after completing your MBBS, you would still need to clear the NEET exam.

Key Points About Direct Admission in Russian MBBS Programs:

  1. Eligibility : Typically, students need to have completed their 12th grade with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as core subjects and a minimum percentage requirement (usually around 50-60%).

  2. No Entrance Exam : Most Russian medical universities offer admission based on 12th-grade marks, without the need for entrance exams.

  3. Language : Some universities offer courses in English, but many also have courses in Russian. Learning basic Russian is often recommended for better interaction with patients during clinical practice.

  4. Recognition : Ensure that the university is recognized by bodies such as the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC) if you plan to practice in India.

  5. Popular Universities :

    • Moscow State Medical University
    • Saint Petersburg State Medical University
    • Kazan Federal University
    • Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
    • Siberian State Medical University

https://medicine.careers360.com/neet-college-predictor?utm_source=qna&utm_medium=neet_cp

Hope you find this useful!

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