Saint Petersburg
Moscow

Saint Petersburg vs Moscow — Cost of Living Comparison

Saint Petersburg
Russia
VS
Moscow
Russia
Estimated average living costs are ~17% lower in Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg

$900

avg. monthly cost

Population

5,400,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

55/100

Cost
35
Safety
55
Life
55

Moscow

$1,050

avg. monthly cost

Population

12,600,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

50/100

Cost
42
Safety
55
Life
50

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~17% lower in Saint Petersburg

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Saint Petersburg

$900

estimated per month

Moscow

$1,050

estimated per month

Difference

+16.7%

Monthly savings

$150

Yearly savings

$1,800

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$87,500

+$12,500/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemSaint PetersburgMoscowDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$500.00$700.00
+40.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$320.00$420.00
+31.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$950.00$1,300.00
+36.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$600.00$750.00
+25.0%
ItemSaint PetersburgMoscowDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$7.00$7.00
0.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$35.00$35.00
0.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.50$5.00
-9.1%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.10$1.10
0.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.60$0.60
0.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.00$1.10
+10.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.80$1.80
0.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50$4.50
0.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.50$1.60
+6.7%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$1.20
0.0%
ItemSaint PetersburgMoscowDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$30.00$30.00
0.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.70$0.65
-7.1%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.50$1.50
0.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.40$0.50
+25.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.65$0.65
0.0%
ItemSaint PetersburgMoscowDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$100.00$100.00
0.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$5.00$5.00
0.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$8.00$8.00
0.0%
ItemSaint PetersburgMoscowDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$20.00$25.00
+25.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$30.00$35.00
+16.7%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$5.00$6.00
+20.0%
ItemSaint PetersburgMoscowDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00$35.00
+16.7%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.50$6.00
+9.1%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.80$3.00
+7.1%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$4.00$4.00
0.0%
ItemSaint PetersburgMoscowDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$55.00$50.00
-9.1%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$25.00$28.00
+12.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$70.00$65.00
-7.1%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Saint Petersburg vs Moscow

Is Saint Petersburg or Moscow more expensive?
Moscow is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 42 compared with 35 for Saint Petersburg.
How much cheaper is Saint Petersburg than Moscow?
Living in Saint Petersburg is around 17% cheaper than Moscow, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Saint Petersburg and Moscow?
Saint Petersburg scores 35 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Moscow scores 42 — where New York City equals 100.