Cost Planner

Living Costs in Russia for Students

Plan your budget effectively with this comprehensive breakdown of living expenses for international students in Russia. From accommodation and food to transportation and recreation, understand the real costs of studying in Russia.

Saint Petersburg Student Budget 2026

Monthly

DormitoryRUB 1,500 to 3,000 a month (what surveyed ITMO dormitory students paid)

GroceriesUnder RUB 15,000 a month for most students

Student travel cardRUB 802 to 1,599 a month

Mobile planOver RUB 550 a month

Monthly Total:RUB 23,000 to 26,000 a month

Total costs for international students living in an ITMO University (ITMO) dormitory in Saint Petersburg, 2026. Tuition and insurance are not included.

Monthly Costs, Item by Item

What each part of your budget costs.

Housing

University dormitoryRUB 1,400 to 5,500 a month

At ITMO University (ITMO), Saint Petersburg.

Room in a shared flatFrom RUB 10,000 a month

Without bills.

One-room flatFrom RUB 30,000 a month

Without bills.

Where you live is the biggest choice in your budget.

Housing Tip

Ask your university for a dormitory place early.

Food

Weekly groceriesRUB 2,500 to 3,500

For one student.

Fast-food lunchAbout RUB 500

One meal.

Groceries and meals out.

Food Tip

Cooking at home costs less than eating out.

Transport

Single metro rideRUB 95

Saint Petersburg, 2026.

Student travel cardRUB 802 to 1,599 a month

Saint Petersburg. Covers metro, buses or both.

Metro, buses and student cards.

Transport Tip

Get your student travel card as soon as you can.

Moscow and Saint Petersburg

Monthly costs for students, in Russian roubles (RUB).

City	Housing (shared)	Food	Transport	Monthly Total
Saint Petersburg (ITMO)	RUB 1,400 to 5,500 a month, dorm room price range	Under RUB 15,000 a month, groceries	RUB 802 to 1,599 a month, student card	RUB 23,000 to 26,000 a month in a dorm; about RUB 50,000 a month renting
Moscow (National University of Science and Technology MISIS, NUST MISIS)	RUB 5,400 a month, dorm double room	RUB 7,500 to 15,000 a month, campus cafeterias	Metro pass RUB 595 a month, road transport pass RUB 380 a month	-

Save With a Dormitory

Dormitories cost a small part of city rent. Most international students choose them.

Housing Cost Factors

City rent depends on the area and the size of the flat. Bills are often extra.

Ways to Save

Simple ways to keep costs down.

Everyday Savings

Live in a university dormitory.
Get a student travel card.
Cook at home most days.
Use museum discounts for students.

Find more student discounts

Student travel card, called BSK (Saint Petersburg)

Student metro pass (Moscow)

Costs People Forget

Plan for these on top of rent and food.

Papers and Rules

Study visa

INR 6,720 in India for a single entry visa

Paid before you fly. The visa centre adds its own service fee.

Health insurance

From RUB 4,000 a year

Policies offered to HSE University students for 2026-27. Other universities differ.

Missing the medical check

Fine of RUB 25,000 to 50,000

You must do the medical examination, fingerprinting and photographing within 30 calendar days of entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers about money for students in Russia.

How much does a student spend a month in Russia?

A student in an ITMO University dormitory in Saint Petersburg spends about RUB 23,000 to 26,000 (Russian roubles) a month in total. Renting a room or flat raises it to about RUB 50,000 a month.

Is a dormitory much cheaper than renting?

Yes. ITMO dormitory rooms cost RUB 1,400 to 5,500 a month. A room in the city starts from RUB 10,000 a month and a one-room flat from RUB 30,000 a month, without bills.