Cost Comparison 2025

MoscowvsMumbai

Russia
India

Overall

💰

-30.0%

Moscow is 30.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-28.6%

Housing is 28.6% lower

Dining

🍽️

-45.5%

Restaurants 45.5% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-22.2%

Food shopping 22.2% less

Comparing the cost of living between Moscow, Russia and Mumbai, India reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Moscow is more affordable than Mumbai by approximately 30.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Moscow are higher than in Mumbai by 40%. A one-bedroom apartment in Moscow's city center costs around RUB 80,000, while the same in Mumbai is approximately ₹35,000.

Dining out in Moscow is notably more expensive compared to Mumbai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs RUB 600 in Moscow versus ₹200 in Mumbai.

Public transportation in Moscow is more expensive, with monthly passes at RUB 2,700 compared to ₹1,500 in Mumbai.

Grocery shopping in Moscow is more expensive by approximately 29%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Moscow can expect to spend approximately RUB 23,560 per month (excluding rent), while in Mumbai, the same lifestyle would cost around ₹12,260. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about RUB 82,460 monthly in Moscow versus ₹42,910 in Mumbai. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Moscow, Russia
Mumbai, India

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
RUB 80,000
₹35,000
1BR Outside Center
RUB 45,000
₹20,000
3BR City Center
RUB 150,000
₹100,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
RUB 600
₹200
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
RUB 3,000
₹1,500
Cappuccino
RUB 200
₹150
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
RUB 200
₹200

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
RUB 90
₹55
Bread (500g)
RUB 45
₹35
Eggs (12)
RUB 120
₹80
Cheese (1kg)
RUB 700
₹400

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
RUB 60
₹10
Monthly Pass
RUB 2,700
₹1,500
Taxi Start
RUB 150
₹25
Gasoline (1L)
RUB 55
₹105

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
RUB 8,000
₹3,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
RUB 600
₹1,000
Mobile Minute
RUB 3
₹1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mumbai to Moscow, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Moscow to Mumbai requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Moscow

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Mumbai

Cost of Living Index35
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Moscow more expensive than Mumbai?

No, Moscow is approximately 30.0% cheaper than Mumbai. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Moscow compared to Mumbai?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 77% of your Mumbai salary when living in Moscow. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Mumbai, you'd need about $38,462 in Moscow for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Moscow and Mumbai?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 83%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Moscow offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Moscow provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Moscow if you prioritize earning potential, or Mumbai for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Moscow vs Mumbai?

In Moscow, a single person needs approximately RUB 68,560 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about RUB 167,460. In Mumbai, these figures are ₹32,260 for singles and ₹92,910 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Moscow and Mumbai in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Mumbai to maintain your lifestyle from Moscow

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers