Russia
Living in Russia
Last updated on Mar 01, 2024
Summary: The approximate population of Russia is around 144 million people. The largest cities in Russia are Moscow (12.5 million people), Saint Petersburg (5.3 million people), Novosibirsk (1.6 million people), Yekaterinburg (1.5 million people), and Nizhny Novgorod (1.3 million people). Expats love living in Russia for its rich culture, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes. People describe life in Russia as exciting and diverse, with a wide range of activities and experiences to enjoy. Popular foods in Russia include borscht (a beetroot soup), pelmeni (dumplings), blini (pancakes), and shashlik (grilled meat skewers). The cons of living in Russia include the language barrier, the cold weather, and the bureaucracy. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month in US dollars. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.
What do I need to know about living in Russia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Russia, they said:
"Before retiring in Russia, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language and culture. It is also important to research the cost of living in the area they plan to retire in, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Russia. Finally, it is important to understand the local laws and regulations, as well as the tax system, to ensure a smooth transition into retirement," wrote a member in Russia.
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How do I meet people in Russia?
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About the Author
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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Russia?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Russia?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Russia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Russia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Russia like?
- Is the cost of living in Russia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Russia?
- What are healthcare services like in Russia?
- Is the cost of living in Russia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Russia?
- What is the weather like in Russia?
- Are there good restaurants in Russia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Russia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Russia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Russia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Russia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Russia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
