Living in Russia

Everything you need to know before you come to Russia

Have you ever thought about living in Russia? You probably asked the questions below.

How much money is needed per month in Russia?

To spend a month comfortably anywhere in Russia 2000 Euros on average will be enough. However, the exact amount may be much less or significantly more depending on the region you are traveling to, accommodation you choose and your personal level of spending.

Is it true that Russians don’t speak English?

Although the great majority of Russians study English at schools, many Russians don’t speak English well. In St Petersburg, Moscow and other big cities you will certainly meet more people who speak English than in some remote areas. However, Russians are very helpful and even if they don’t speak English, they will always try some way to understand you and help if necessary.

How much is it to rent an apartment in Russia?

The answer will depend on many factors, to begin with, from the city you are visiting. The prices in Moscow and Murmansk won’t be the same. In each city the price will also vary depending on the district you choose, if the house is new, how many rooms are there, etc. If we talk about St. Petersburg, the starting point will be at about 40.000 Rubles per month for a one-room flat.

Is it dangerous in Russia?

There are many myths about high crime rates in Russia, but in fact it is not higher than in an average European country and keeps decreasing. Russia is quite a safe country and travelers here normally do not experience any inconvenience. However, it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions.

Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?

Citizens of many countries need a visa to travel to Russia. You can check if you need a visa to travel to Russia on the official website of a Russian Consulate of your country.

Is Russia a hard place to live?

The quality of living that Russians can offer is pretty high. Many people live comfortably in Russia. The country is offering many basic guarantees to its citizens, like free medicine and free education (including higher education for successful students). The cost of living is relatively low and there are some good career opportunities. However, there are people who have to struggle as in any country of the world. Also some parts of Russia are famous for severe climate, that also may present a problem.

What are the pros and cons of living in Russia?

Pros:

  • Big cities that offer many opportunities.
  • Many educational options.
  • Great for traveling, rich culture and history.
  • Free healthcare available for citizens.

Cons:

  • Russian citizens need visas to travel to many countries in the world.
  • Climate in some regions is really severe.
  • Most career opportunities are situated in big cities.
  • Moving around the country is expensive due to its size.

Is it easy to move to Russia?

It is quite easy but not cheap to get permanent residency: you only need to buy realty in Russia. Getting citizenship is possible, but you need to live in Russian for at lease 5 years.

Where is the best place to live in Russia?

Saint Petersburg is the best city to live in Russia. It is a modern European city with all the facilities. It is still simple and quick to get around the city as it is not as huge as Moscow. It’s a beautiful historical city with unique architecture, parks, rivers. Last but not least — anyone can find a job, from the lowest to the highest positions.

Why do Russians never smile?

It’s time to forget about this stereotype. Russians do smile! However, the smile here is considered as something personal, Russians are sharing their smile with friends and family a lot. Nevertheless, a courtesy smile is not that common. It certainly doesn’t mean that strangers won’t smile at you at all, so don’t be scared.

Maria Savushkina
18.02.2022
More from the site
About Russia
Five top Russian writers known abroad
About Russia
Russian Culture: Facts, Customs & Traditions
About Russia
Easter Sunday in Russia

Have a question?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.