Prices in Russia

A student in Russia needs USD 100 to 300 per month on average .

^{It's better to start with a further USD 100 to 300 for extra expenses like medical insurance, living arrangements in an apartment or dormitory (buying dishes, bed linen, detergents etc.), and to purchase books.}

^{The rouble’s decline against the world currencies merely plays into the hands of foreigners since their expenses are reduced when converted into dollars: it would be cheaper to pay for education and living in the country.}

^{When you select a city for education, please keep in mind that the highest prices are in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg, while expenses in other regions will be lower.}

^{Basic Expenses}

^{The tuition fee at Russian universities varies from RUB 65,000 to 350,000 (USD 1,036-5,583) per year depending on the region, university, and discipline.}

^Lodging

^{The price of rented student accommodation in Russia varies from 150 to 35,000 roubles (USD 2,4-558) per month depending on the region, type and location of the lodging (dormitory, rented room, or apartment).}

^{For more details see the "Accommodation" section.}

^{Medical Insurance
A voluntary medical insurance policy (VMI) for students at Moscow universities costs from 6,000 to 9,000 roubles (USD 100-150) a year. The insurance shall cover the entire education period, though universities request that policies are paid by the year or the semester.}

^{Meal Expenses}

^{According to official information, the minimum shopping basket (including bread, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, milk, and sugar) in Russia costs from 3,000 to 10,000 roubles (USD 48-159) a month depending on the region.buy (corner shop, supermarket, market).}

^{An average lunch check in Moscow cafes and restaurants ranges from 700 to 2,000 roubles (USD 12-35), while a set lunch costs between 230 and 404 roubles (USD 4-7). Fast-food prices are even lower.}

^Transport

^{A single journey on the Moscow subway costs 55 roubles (about USD 1), while a 20-journey travel card costs 720 roubles (USD 12).}

^{Using a student discount one can get a monthly Moscow underground card for 380 roubles (USD 6), the cost is even lower in other cities.}

^{See more details in the "Transport" section.}

^{Cellular Communication, Internet}

^{SIM-cards for mobile phones and tablets are sold in phone stores (do not buy them from street sellers). You need a national passport (indicating registration at your place of residence) and a migration card to buy a SIM-card. Ask in store for advice on the best rates (cost of calls, sms-text, data, etc.). The cost of a standard package of services ranges from 200 to 500 roubles (USD 3-8). When you buy a SIM-card, the cost of the card is credited to the phone number account and then you top up the balance depending on the tariff plan.}

^{Dormitories offer payable or free Internet access. When you rent an apartment, you are usually asked to pay for Internet separately, about 300 to 500 roubles (USD 5-8) per month, depending on the region, provider and rate.}

^Clothing

^{There are plenty of chain stores of popular brands, both international and Russian. The clothing prices are generally higher than in Europe but high-quality and cheap clothing can always be found during the sales. For example, you can find a T-shirt for 300 roubles (USD 5) or jeans for 1,300 roubles (USD 21).}

^{Cultural Pursuits}

Moscow theatre tickets cost from 500 to 2,500 roubles (USD 8-41) and cinema tickets, 150 to 500 roubles (USD 2,5-8). A museum costs 100 to 1,000 roubles (USD 1,5-16).

^{Many cultural centres offer discounts for students, and some museums can be visited free with a valid student card.}

^Sport

^{The average cost of a monthly pass to fitness centres varies from 1,700 to 4,500 roubles (USD 26-75) in Moscow and from 1,500 to 3,400 roubles (USD 13-56) in other regions. When you buy an annual pass, the average monthly cost will be lower.}

^{A monthly swimming pool pass costs 300 to 500 roubles (USD 5-8) in Moscow and less elsewhere.}

^{Many universities have their own gyms, swimming pools, and sports centres where services are cheaper than in the city or even free for university students.}

^{AN EXAMPLE OF A STUDENT'S MONTHLY EXPENDITURE in 2017 (Moscow & Saint Petersburg)}

^{AN EXAMPLE OF A STUDENT'S MONTHLY EXPENDITURE in 2017 (Other Regions)}