What's the cost of living in St. Petersburg, Russia?

Expert Info

Posted by

on 4 May 2011

Hi- I know that Moscow has recently been ranked as one of the most expensive expat destinations in the world, but can anyone comment on the cost of living in St. Petersburg? Is it just as high?

Anonymous (not verified) on 4 May 2011 - 07:55

The cost of living in St. Petersburg is high, but it's actually come down in recent years. I moved to Russia in 2000, and at that point everything was at least five times as expensive at it was in the States. Now, it's decreased to about three times more expensive. That said, there's a few things that are reasonable in cost - bread, cigarettes and vodka (all the Russian staples). Electronics are much more expensive. Generally though, you can expect a high cost of living in St. Petersburg.

Anonymous (not verified) on 24 May 2012 - 09:56

How much is a cup of coffee

Anonymous (not verified) on 26 Jun 2012 - 19:39

A cup of coffee will cost you around 2 - 2.50 euro. This depending on where you would like to enjoy your coffee. I am an expatriate living in st petersburg. If you need more info do not hesitate to contact me. Cheers

Anonymous (not verified) on 27 Jun 2012 - 07:45

Hi folks

For a full breakdown of what you can expect to pay for day-to-day items in Russia, check out the Cost of Living in Russia page.

Anonymous (not verified) on 11 Sep 2012 - 23:39

Hi, I'm thinking of coming to study in St Petersburg. Can someone give me an idea of the monthly rental cost of a one bedroom apartment with separate living room. Something nice in the centre but not luxurious. Thanks

Anonymous (not verified) on 12 Sep 2012 - 15:09

Hi Anon

In the St Petersburg city centre, for an apartment with one bedroom and a separate living room with European decor/bathroom/kitchen, you're looking at about US$2,000. Check out http://www.realtor.ru or the classified section of the St Petersburg Times (http://www.sptimes.ru) for more.

Anonymous (not verified) on 13 Nov 2012 - 05:50

I am spanish speeking and english is that easy to live in rusia as me I really look very much as mexican.

Anonymous (not verified) on 18 Feb 2013 - 06:27

How much is a cup of coffee? 50 rubles (1,5 euro) up to 250 (6 euro) - depends on the cafe. Have a look at the menu http://www.coffeehouse.ru , for example. As for budget cafes - I would advice Chajnaya lozhka - that's to taste some blinies. Apartments for rent for short and long term - http://www.kvartira78.ru. The price, I think, is about 1000 dollars a month in low season and up to 3000 in summer. If you're on a tight budget, maybe to consider a private room in a hostel http://en.friendsplace.ru ? Official List of Museums in Russia - http://www.russianmuseums.info - you may compare rates for museums and get an idea how much money you need for "Culture". St. Petersburg Times - http://www.sptimes.ru - leading English language newspaper - a huge variety of things about everything.

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