Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Professionals (2025 Guide)

Introduction : Why Understand Russia’s Cost of Living?

As more Indian professionals explore job opportunities in Russia, understanding the cost of living becomes a crucial part of career planning.

Whether you’re an engineer, technician, IT expert, or working in the oil & gas or EPC industry - knowing how much life in Russia actually costs helps you make informed financial and relocation decisions.

At DeltaReco, we’ve helped hundreds of Indian professionals successfully relocate to Russia, and this guide will give you a detailed breakdown of what to expect in 2025.

Overview : Russia’s Living Costs Compared to India

Overall, the cost of living in Russia is 30–40% higher than in major Indian cities, but still lower than most Western countries.

Your biggest expenses will be accommodation, food, and transport, depending on the city you live in.

Housing & Rent in Russia

Accommodation is usually your largest monthly expense.

• In Moscow or St. Petersburg, rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center can range between ₽50,000–₽80,000/month.
• In smaller industrial cities like Kazan, Samara, or Yekaterinburg, you can find good housing between ₽25,000–₽40,000/month.
• Many Russian employers (especially EPC or oil & gas) provide free or subsidized housing to Indian employees — a significant benefit.

Food & Daily Groceries

Indian professionals can live comfortably on ₽15,000–₽25,000/month for groceries and meals.

• Local staples (bread, milk, eggs, vegetables, rice) are reasonably priced.
• Imported Indian spices and products (like masalas or dal) are available in major cities but cost 1.5–2 × more.
• Dining out in mid-range restaurants costs around ₽700–₽1,200 per meal.

Many Indian professionals prefer cooking at home, both for cost savings and food preferences.

Transportation Costs

Russia’s public transport is modern, clean, and inexpensive.

• Metro passes cost around ₽2,000–₽3,000 per month.
• Taxis (Yandex, Uber) start from ₽150–₽300 per ride.
• Long-distance train travel is affordable compared to domestic flights.

If your workplace offers company transport, it can save an additional ₽2,000–₽4,000/month.

Utilities & Internet

Expect to spend ₽5,000–₽8,000/month on electricity, water, heating, and high-speed internet. Internet plans are affordable (₽500–₽1,000/month), and heating costs rise during long Russian winters.

Healthcare & Insurance

All foreign employees in Russia are required to have medical insurance (ОМС).

• Basic insurance starts at ₽3,000/month, covering emergencies and doctor consultations.
• Some companies provide private insurance for Indian employees, which includes hospital care and dental treatment.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Russia offers a mix of cultural and modern entertainment options:

• Gym memberships: ₽2,000–₽3,500/month
• Movie tickets: ₽500–₽800
• Occasional outings or shopping can add ₽5,000–₽8,000/month to your budget.

Life in Russian cities is peaceful and secure, with friendly locals and a growing community of Indian expatriates.

Average Salary vs Cost of Living

Depending on your profession, here’s what the balance looks like:

With housing and transport covered by your employer, Indian professionals can easily save ₹30,000–₹50,000/month.

Living Experience for Indians in Russia

Indian professionals often highlight:

• Respectful and disciplined work culture
• High job security in technical and oil & gas sectors
• Harsh winters but good infrastructure
• Affordable leisure and transportation
• Small but supportive Indian community in cities like Moscow, Samara, and St. Petersburg

Smart Tips Before Moving to Russia

• Confirm whether housing, meals, and insurance are included in your offer.
• Learn basic Russian phrases — it helps both at work and daily life.
• Keep ₹1–₹2 lakh (₽100,000–₽200,000) as relocation buffer.
• Check the cost of Indian groceries near your location.
• Stay connected with other Indian professionals through online expat forums.

Final Thoughts

The cost of living in Russia for Indian professionals is manageable — especially for those hired through reputed recruitment partners like DeltaReco.

With the right employer benefits, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, solid savings, and valuable international experience.

At DeltaReco, we specialize in helping skilled Indian professionals connect with top Russian employers in oil & gas, EPC, and technical industries — while ensuring transparency, compliance, and employee welfare.

Looking for Jobs in Russia?

Explore opportunities and get end-to-end support from our expert recruitment consultants.

• Our Website : deltareco.com
• Russian opportunities : Jobs in Russia
• Reach Out To Us : info@deltareco.com