Average and minimum Salary in Moscow, Russia

Considering to invest or work in the Russian capital? Below we have the up to date data for the average and minimum salary in Moscow, Russia.

Moscow at Night. Photo by Alexey Kijatov

Russia is a huge country with many micro-economies, so if you’re travelling or looking to relocate there on expat basis. A thorough analysis of the local economies will save you a lot of time and hassle once you’ve reached your destination.

Minimum Salary in Moscow, Russia

Moscow is one of the biggest capitals in the world covering 1000 sq miles of land with a population of nearly 17 million people, living in the city and the immediate suburbs. Its wages are much higher than the average figures in Russia. With the minimum salary in Moscow, your money won’t go too far. You can check the figures here.

In 2021, the minimum wage in Moscow is of 20589 RUB, or roughly 289 USD. You can read more information about this here (in Russian). Russia has its minimum salaries divided by region, and Moscow has the highest one.

Other regions have a significantly lower minimum salary. In many regions like Murmansk, Pskov and the Republic of Bashkortostan the minimum salary is considerably lower than in Moscow.

Average Salary in Moscow, Russia

Evidently the national minimum wage doesn’t quite reflect the actual salaries paid in the capital. For example, the average salary for a skilled worker in Moscow is around $1100 per month.

The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment outside of the center will cost around $500. With utility bills at around $120 and transport at $30 per month, if you’re earning an average Muscovite salary you won’t have much to play around with ones that is paid.

Like in many Eastern European countries, young people tend to live with parents right up until marriage. This cost cutting practice allows them to buy their own real estate later on.

There are many foreigners who live in Moscow and other big cities such as St. Petersburg. Usually their salaries tend to be dictated by the international companies they are employed by and hence the wages tend to be higher. If you’re an expat looking to work in Russia make sure you get paid in strong currency such as USD, Euros or GBP, that way you can really enjoy everything Moscow has to offer.

Moscow and Russia’s Economic Outlook

Major cities in Russia such as Moscow, St Petersburg, Vladivostok, to name a few do not reflect the monetary state of the country at large. In the majority of the provinces wages barely $100 per month. Granted, the cost of living is much lower as well, but the distinction of living conditions between cities a few miles away from each other is vast.

Even though monthly wage at federal level cannot be below minimum subsistence level, this provision is still to be implemented in the majority of regions. The Russian government expects that raising the minimum wage to the subsistence level will require some years.

If you are flying to Moscow check our guide on how to travel from the Moscow Airport to city center. Alternatively, you can check our guide on where to stay in Moscow.

Interesting Resources for Working and Living Abroad

Are you really considering to work and live abroad, temporarily or permanently? Below are some resources that might be useful for you around the web:

World Nomads: this company provides travel insurance in most countries around the world, and it might be a good option if you going for a long travel.

Jetradar: compare and find the cheapest air fares worldwide.

Booking.com: Booking.com is the best choice for finding accommodation for your next trip, with a wide variety of choices for all types of travelers.

You may also want to check our website guides:

Train Travel Guide: in our railway travel guide, you will learn how to choose and ride the most scenic train routes around the world, always in the most comfortable way with optimal prices to enhance your travel experience.

Dating Guide: our dating guide will help you not only to find love but to understand the social customs of each country. It will also help you to avoid dating scams around the internet and find people really interested in honest relationships.

Work Abroad Guide: Learn how to find a job and employment requirements in different countries. From the initial job search, to bargaining salaries, this guide will help you to find job in most countries around the world.  It also covers about remote work and TEFL jobs.