Blog

Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students

EOCL India
November 6, 2025
No Comments

The cost of living for Indian students in Russia in 2026 should be known to anyone who wishes to live comfortably and responsibly. For Indian students, the cost of living in Russia is reasonable when compared to other European countries. While larger cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have higher rent and living expenses, smaller towns like Kazan or Tomsk offer a much lower average cost of living in Russia for Indian students admitted per month, making them ideal for students on a tight budget. The overall cost of living in Russia for Indian students 2026 is greatly influenced by the city, lifestyle, and housing options.

International students may need to pay between 50,000 and 80,000 rubles a month for housing, food, transportation, and utilities. Most Russian schools are in cities, where students often find a balance between practicality and comfort. Students who live in dorms or shared apartments usually save a lot of money compared to those who rent private apartments. In 2026, Russian students can still afford the average cost of living in the country thanks to its affordable grocery stores, student discounts, and reasonably priced public transportation.

Accommodation Expenses in Russia

Options range from university hostels to private apartments and shared rooms. The choice of city, proximity to campus, and choice of amenities will determine how much students have to pay.

University hostels are the most reasonable accommodation choice for students. They typically cost between 15,000 and 20,000 rubles a month. Most institutions provide canteens or subsidized meal plans. Hostels are comfortable because they are near campus and student support services. Hostels often need a refundable deposit. Student hostels help reduce the overall cost of living in Russia for Indian students 2026 hugely.

Private accommodations provide more convenience and privacy. A one-bedroom apartment’s monthly rent can range from 30,000 to 50,000 rubles, depending on the city and area. Apartments that are privately rented usually have separate utility bills. To avoid scams, students should use reliable websites or university bulletin boards.

It’s common for students to share apartments with other people. It provides more privacy than hostels and is less costly than a private one-bedroom apartment. By reserving shared housing near metro stations, commuters can save time and money.

Rent is generally the single largest element of the average cost of living in Russia for Indian students guide. Selecting the ideal accommodation option can reduce monthly expenses by a huge margin.

Below are some ways that students can try to reduce the housing costs:

Select university hostels for the lowest rent
Share a room with 1 to 3 students to divide rent and utilities

The Cost of Food and Meals

For Russian students, especially those who prefer to cook at home instead of eating out often, meal costs are manageable.

A student’s monthly food and grocery expenses range from 13,000 to 15,000 rubles. Although prices vary slightly by region, most necessities, such as bread, rice, milk, and vegetables, are reasonably priced nationwide. Supermarkets such as Pyaterochka, Magnit, and Auchan provide reasonable options for fresh produce, dairy, and packaged meals. Local markets also offer seasonal fruits and vegetables at lower costs. The average prices of common grocery items in 2026 are listed below.

One litre of milk costs 80 rubles.
One loaf of bread costs 60 rubles.
One kilogram of rice costs 120 rubles.
One kilogram of chicken costs 350 rubles.
800 rubles to eat at a local eatery

Imported goods tend to be more costly, so selecting local brands can keep expenses low. If students enjoy Indian food, most Russian cities have Indian grocery stores and online platforms that provide spices, grains, and other essential items at affordable costs. While fast-food restaurants may charge less, a decent meal at a restaurant costs about 800 rubles. Student meal plans for daily lunch and dinner are available at university canteens for as little as 4,000 rubles per month. Students can split the cost of groceries with their roommates by buying them in bulk. They can also take advantage of university canteens and student discounts.

Transportation and Utilities

Transportation and utilities form an essential part of the cost of living in Russia for Indian students 2026, but they are quite reasonable compared to other European countries. Many Russian cities have reliable, effective, and reasonably priced public transportation systems. Meanwhile, the cost of utilities like Wi-Fi, water, and electricity varies depending on the type of housing and the city in which one lives.

The city and type of lodging have an impact on costs. Students living in university hostels often have these utilities included in rent, while private accommodations need separate payments. Wi-Fi and mobile data services are easily available.

Suggestion for saving utility bills: Use common laundry facilities in hostels

Russia is 50 to 60% cheaper to stay in compared to Western countries such as the United Kingdom or the United States of America.

Education Orbit Counseling & Link

With the increasing popularity of students wishing to study MBBS from other countries, we expanded our reach to various continents. Today, we offer complete guidance and services for MBBS in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Education Orbit Counseling & Link is supported by some highly experienced professionals who have experience in counseling and have been doing it for years. Apply today.

Cost of Living in Russia for Indian Students

Accommodation Expenses in Russia

The Cost of Food and Meals

Transportation and Utilities

Education Orbit Counseling & Link

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Contact Us

Latest Post

Safety for Indian Students Abroad – Parents’ Guide

MBBS Abroad ROI (Return on Investment) Explained

Part-Time Job Opportunities Abroad for MBBS Students

Cost of Living in Uzbekistan for MBBS Students