Study in Russia: Housing & Living Costs

The cost of a student accommodation in Russia can range from RUB 150 to RUB 35,000 (USD2.6 – USD 612) per month, depending on where you’re staying, the amenities, and the type of lodging you choose.  Among the cities in Russia, Moscow and Saint Petersburg are well known for being the most expensive to live in.

Multiple factors come into play when considering the type of accommodation that’s fitting for you, so we recommend doing additional research as early as possible. Consult our Ultimate How To Study Abroad Guide for some general tips and tricks when it comes to planning your study abroad experience. Finding student accommodation in Russia, however, requires keeping a few key particularities in mind. 

Types of Student Accommodation in Russia

• Home Stay – A common accommodation option for foreign students is to live with host families. While this may cost slightly more than university dormitories, homestays provide a great opportunity for you to be completely immersed in both the Russian language and culture.

• University Dormitories – University dormitories range from 500 RUB (7 USD) to 5,000 RUB (780 USD) per month and are often cheaper than private rentals with prices set by your institution. University dormitories always come with a shared kitchen and bathroom. The dorms are furnished, usually located on campus, and often near cafes and sports facilities, which may not always be the case with a home stay accommodation. With many foreign students opting for dormitory accommodation, the option may give you more options for socializing with other students. It’s important to remember that only your university office can offer you a place in a dormitory, a tenancy agreement, and are the only body able to decide if you qualify to live in a dormitory. Don’t follow leads from individuals or companies that claim to give you the option!  

• Privately Rented Accommodation – Many students recommend staying in a dorm for the first few months before moving into a private accommodation. Some universities will help you with finding private lodgings, going through your university or a realtor is the best way to find secure and fast lodging!

Other Living Costs

Like in other countries, the cost of living in Russia will largely depend on your location and lifestyle. Like accommodation costs, prices in Moscow and St. Petersburg can vary highly in comparison with other cities in Russia. If you’re considering multiple cities in Russia, use this calculator to compare living costs in different cities. We’ve compiled some overall averages for the cost of living in Russia in terms of some common student expenses: