Kiev, Ukraine

Living in Ukraine

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 08, 2025

Summary: The approximate population of Ukraine is 42.5 million people. The largest cities in Ukraine are Kiev (the capital), Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odessa, and Donetsk. Expats love living in Ukraine for its low cost of living, friendly people, and vibrant culture. Life in Ukraine is described as relaxed and laid-back, with a strong sense of community. Popular foods in Ukraine include borscht (a beetroot soup), varenyky (dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or cabbage), and salo (cured pork fat). The cons of living in Ukraine include the language barrier, the lack of reliable public transportation, and the lack of job opportunities. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000-$1,500 per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.

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What do I need to know about living in Ukraine?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Ukraine, they said:

"Before retiring in Ukraine, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. It is also important to research the cost of living in Ukraine, as prices can vary significantly depending on the region. Additionally, expats should be aware of the visa requirements for retirement in Ukraine, as well as any restrictions on foreign ownership of property. Finally, expats should research the healthcare system in Ukraine, as well as any health insurance options available to them," explained one expat living in Ukraine.

"Rent with an official rental agreement. It costs twice as much, but if you try the way they do, the first month is low, but you will then be asked for a LOT more, and if you don't pay, they promptly kick you out. Even if you have been there less than 24 hours, there is not a thing you can do. Well, maybe cry. Laws here are lax. You can do things that will amaze you. Even carry a concealed gun, no permit. If you are here over three months, you become an illegal alien. If you leave, you will not be allowed back. If you stay, they cannot afford to kick you out, so they will only fine you $100 upon your eventual departure. I cannot even go across the river to Moldova for lunch! Until I marry. If. If you marry a Ukrainian, you can stay here legally, and not become a UE citizen. I personally will get a UE lawyer to handle the papers. Like everything else here, it costs a lot less than the US. My very low SS Disability income is four times the national average income here. I can not afford to live in California anymore, but I can, here. At least, theoretically. They still are not paying me," said one expat in Mogliv-Podilskyi.

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How do I meet people in Ukraine?

When we asked people living in Ukraine about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Ukraine often join local clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting cafes and restaurants, or joining online forums and social media groups. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join expat-specific organizations, such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, which provides networking opportunities and other resources," commented one expat who made the move to Ukraine.

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What is life like in Ukraine?

When we asked people living in Ukraine what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Four universities and a host of job training schools, so many young. They have no cultural problem with promiscuity, and most children do not have fathers present. This usually results in criminal delinquency elsewhere. Mogliv is the second highest crime city in UE behind Odessa. Much smuggling from Moldova across the river. We have a dance club here, it is called Step. Three people knocked off by Russian Mafia last week. Best to be home after dark," said one expat who made the move to Mogliv-Podilskyi.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Ukraine can be quite rewarding. The country offers a unique cultural experience, with a rich history and vibrant cities. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country is also well-connected, with good public transportation and a reliable internet connection. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of activities to enjoy, from exploring the countryside to visiting the many museums and galleries. The people are friendly and welcoming, making it easy to make friends and build a social network," explained one expat living in Ukraine.

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Is there a lot of crime in Ukraine?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"First a comment about the conflict in he Donbass region. The Ukraine is such a big country compared with England, we only had one small incident last summer in the city, but Kharkov where I live has been peaceful. I have to say the youth in this country demonstrate far more respect for adults than in the UK. I've never seen any problems. You do get a few drunks at night in the parks etc, but I don't go to any potentially risky places. As I stated above, crime takes on a different guise here in the form of corruption. And I do get ripped off occasionally by market traders because I'm foreign. On balance, especially in the evening, I'd actually say that Kharkov is a safer place to be than in England. There are many inner city areas in the UK that are best avoided at night," wrote a member in Kharkov.

"Crime is a problem in Ukraine, with reports of corruption, organized crime, and human trafficking. The country has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years, including robberies, burglaries, and assaults. Drug trafficking is also a major issue, with Ukraine being a transit point for illegal substances. Cybercrime is also on the rise, with hackers targeting businesses and individuals," commented one expat who made the move to Ukraine.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Ukraine accepting of differences?

"Almost all Russian Orthodox, no other races here, and last month there were four other Americans here. But no longer. When they meet people they know, they are sure to show acceptance and warm greetings. They always shake, removing gloves first, or hug/kiss on cheek. If you don't, you will be seen poorly. And word moves fast. Sidewalks are VERY busy during most days. Very primitive, and maybe icy/dangerous. Bring cleats. Taxi's are 20 hgrevna to anywhere in town. No stop lights, no horns used, no alarms going off constantly, only dogs sometimes barking. No sirens, no overhead jets. Barking. I can live with this. You must be careful if you are a single guy, to be sure that a woman has no man. But there are plenty of those! AIDs is epidemic in Ukraine, but this is a relatively remote town, and is not a problem here, that I know of. You can not buy beef in the grocery store (1), but you can get it in the open air market. There is no chili, or canned soups, or canned meals. I have learned to make my own chili. I get a good omelet at Pizza Cafe for about 3 dollars. I had to show them how to put a bunch of other stuff on it besides just the eggs. There is one hamburger place in town, across the street from Pizza Cafe. Like Mc Donalds, but Ukrainish. Good double cheese, maybe shakes. They also sell bigger pizza here," wrote a member in Mogliv-Podilskyi.

"Yes, there is a lot of diversity in Ukraine. The country is home to a variety of ethnic and religious groups, including Ukrainians, Russians, Jews, Poles, Romanians, and Tatars. People in Ukraine are generally accepting of differences and are tolerant of different cultures and beliefs. There is a strong sense of national pride and unity among the people of Ukraine, regardless of their background," commented one expat who made the move to Ukraine.

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What are the schools in Ukraine like?

"The International School of Kyiv is one of the best international schools in Ukraine. It is an independent, co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It offers a rigorous academic program, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Kyiv Bilingual School is another excellent international school in Ukraine. It is a private, co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It offers a comprehensive academic program, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The British International School of Kyiv is another great international school in Ukraine. It is an independent, co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It offers a rigorous academic program, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art," remarked one expat living in with children attending .

Is the cost of living in Ukraine high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Ukraine, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Ukraine is generally quite affordable compared to other European countries. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in other parts of Europe. Eating out in restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, and there are plenty of affordable options for entertainment. Overall, Ukraine is a great place to live if you are looking for a budget-friendly destination," said one expat who made the move to Ukraine.

"Very difficult to say, depends on: * If you have any dependents, ie children to support. * If you rent a fully furnished apartment from an agency it's expensive, better to buy or find a private landlord. * You have to buy extra clothing for the winter, it's inescapable unless you want to freeze your knees off," explained one expat living in Kharkov, Ukraine.

"I am not certain, but I think that a couple can find an apartment for 300, to 400 month US Live near subway and forget old idea about driving everywhere, get some much needed exercise on foot))) Taxi service is cheap 10. us$ for a 45 minute ride maximum. 15 hour train ride for $10.00 US with sleeping birth )))," mentioned one in Kharkov.

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"The cost of living in Ukraine is generally quite affordable compared to other countries in Europe. The cost of living varies depending on the region, with the capital city of Kyiv and other major cities having a higher cost of living than the rest of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Ukraine is typically around $400-500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $600-700 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Ukraine will usually cost around $10-15 USD per person," said an expat in Ukraine.

What type of recreational facilities are in Ukraine?

When we asked people living in Ukraine about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Ukraine, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports complexes. Parks are a popular destination for families, offering a variety of activities such as walking, biking, and picnicking. Beaches are also a popular destination for residents, offering a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Sports complexes are also popular, offering a variety of activities such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. Additionally, Ukraine has a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters," remarked one expat living in Ukraine.

What is the weather like in Ukraine?

"The weather in Ukraine is generally mild, with warm summers and cold winters. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, while in the winter temperatures can drop to as low as -10 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the most precipitation occurring in the spring and autumn months. Snowfall is also common in the winter months, especially in the northern and eastern regions of the country," mentioned one expat inUkraine.

Are there good restaurants in Ukraine?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Ukraine is Kumpel, located in Kiev. Kumpel is known for its traditional Ukrainian cuisine, such as borscht, varenyky, and salo. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of international dishes, such as Italian pasta and French crepes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Ukraine is Puzata Hata, located in Lviv. Puzata Hata is a chain of fast-food restaurants that serve traditional Ukrainian dishes such as borscht, varenyky, and salo. The restaurant also offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the prices are very affordable. Finally, the restaurant Kredens in Odessa is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Kredens is known for its delicious seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, shrimps, and mussels. The restaurant also offers a variety of salads, soups, and desserts. The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive," said one expat living in Ukraine.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Ukraine?

"People living in Ukraine typically buy groceries from local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at malls, department stores, and specialty shops. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Ukraine," remarked one expat living in Ukraine.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Ukraine?

"In order to visit Ukraine, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Ukrainian embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and a fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Ukraine, foreign nationals must submit an application to the State Migration Service of Ukraine. The application must include a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, a medical certificate, proof of financial means, and a fee. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will receive a residence permit," mentioned one expat inUkraine.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ukraine?

"I was extremely surprised when the administrator at IMP clinic contacted the insurance company herself, and I didn't have to call and deal with it. I was suggested to pay myself and then make the reimbursement of the expenses. I was given all the necessary documents and didn't have any trouble with my insurance company. From my viewpoint any other public clinic will render such services," remarked one expat living in Kiev.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Ukraine can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is free or low-cost, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private clinics. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide access to better quality care and more specialized services. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans for their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," said one expat living in Ukraine.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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