Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students 2025

Russian universities are also known for the best courses in Medicine, Engineering, Aviation, Chemistry, and Astronomy. However, the major reason to study in Russia for international students is its low cost of living. The cost of living in Russia for International students is way cheaper than in many European countries. The average cost of living in Russia per month is anywhere between RUB 30,000 to RUB 40,000. 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 Numbeo, the average cost of living in Russia for Indian students is 89.6% 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.

This Story also Contains

1. Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students 2025
2. Cost of Living in Russia vs India
3. Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Russia for International Students
4. Cost of Living in Major Cities in Russia
5. Cost of Studying in Russia
6. Affordable Universities in Russia
7. Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living 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 32,865 - 43,820. 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

As per Numbeo, living in Russia is expensive as compared to India.

• Overall cost of living in Russia is 89.6% more than in India.

• Rental prices in India are 66.1% lower than in Russia.

• 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

There are several factors that can affect the cost of living in Russia for Indian students.

Accommodation in Russia

Studying 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

The next major expense is food and groceries. Cooking in dormitories or private apartments or taking mess subscriptions is a good option to save money on food. Cooking meals is a cheaper option. The cost of a meal and groceries varies widely from city to city in Russia. The average expenditure towards food and groceries is as follows:

Source: Numbeo

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 like the 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 RUB 4,000 to 12,000 per year.

Utilities

While studying in Russia, students may have to use the internet, mobile phones, and buy study materials. The average costs of utilities in Russia include:

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

Affordable Universities in Russia

The table below mentions some of the popular and cheap universities in Russia for Indian students.

Universities with Affordable Tuition in Russia

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