What's it like to live in Moscow?

Question

I might be moving to Russia for work, and wanted to know if anyone had some tips about living there as an expat? I've visited there before, and have spent extended periods in most of the Central & Eastern European countries, but "living" is always different to "visiting" a city - particularly one so different. Any idea about costs and fun stuff to do would be a great help!

Answer 1

The fun stuff in Moscow is really expensive, what I mean is theatres, exhibitions, concerts. But you can always buy tickets which are not so good, but less expensive.
When it comes to food, you needn't go to expensive supermarkets, if you don't want to. There are some "econom" shops ("Пятерочка", "Копейка", Ашан, Рамстор).
What I like in Moscow is that each person can work here, of course, if he/she has a desire. You can't be unemployed!!! There are a lot of vacancies even for people who don't have education at all. The most precious workers are those who know foreign languages, especially English native speakers.
What I hate here is public transportation. People become nervous that they will not take a seat, they begin pushing and crying at each other. You need much tolerance to survive at these moments.!!! Oh, it's terrible. If you drive a car, it's not also a way out, because it seems to me that we don't have any traffic rules. It's even dangerous.

For more specific questions you may write me. :)) Hope, that help.

Answer 2

Living In Moscow

Answer 3

Moscow is among the largest towns in the world. Is just a city that has grown rapidly in recent decades, and, consequently, comprises high-rise suburbs encompassing a relatively compact historical centre with lots of amazing ancient architecture. The main host to Moscow could be the Red Square that's been for generations, the heart and heart of Russia. Here, you can go to the Century St. Basil's Cathedral, one of the very most popular items of structure on the planet and the constructivist chart of Lenin's Mausoleum. Red Square is surely a rich place in representations of Russia's turbulent and interesting past.

Answer 4

Expensive is meant in relation to the average income of a person living and working in Moscow. Moscow is still affordable for the average European or Western traveller, but there is a noticeable difference in prices for everything compared to St. Petersburg. Prices are much higher, Moscow is close to other big European cities like Zurich, Stockholm or Paris in these terms.

Answer 5

Helpful note: "One-room" apartment in Russia means studio. "Two-room" apartment means one bedroom apartment.

You can rent a studio for $500-$700/month in a decent neighborhood. However, Moscow is now the most expensive city in the World and if you want to maintain the same standard of living as in US, you will need to make at least the same amount of money. Some things such as cars and electronics (laptops in particular) are more expensive than in US. There are a lot of places where you can get all kinds of entertainment.

Another note: 98% of apartments in Moscow do not have air conditioning installed. It might not seem as a big deal because Moscow is being perceived as being a much colder place to live than most US cities, but its not entirelly true. There are some summers (like last 2 years) when temperature gets to 90+ degrees and stays that way for couple of weeks. In other words, you might want to install air conditioning.

Answer 6

I live in Moscow and I can tell you that the costs will depend on the part of the city you live in and the stores you go to.
If you want to spend not so much on food and different stuff for your house you can go to Ashan-stores and buy a lot of everything for a month or more.
Entertainment here is always expensive - especially in the center.
But there are places you can go to for free - like parks or streets :))
In the center you'll be met (as you already know) by guys who try to sell to you stuff that looks traditionally Russian but that almost no Russian has.
Any way, even people with little money survive here and have fun.

Answer 7

St Petersburg has a thing that gets below your skin layer and if you wish to discover what it is then, you need to have a look with hotelbye . Nevsky Prospect is St Petersburg's main avenue and among the best-known streets in Russia. Chopping through the famous middle of the town, it works from the Admiralty, image of Russian energy, to the Alexander Nevsky Monastery and it is going to be really lovely to walk along that road at night when all illuminations on. Here, you will see everything: probably the most stunning structure, the superb palaces, the world-famous museums and the sparkling five-star hotels. One of many areas should see from St. Petersburg is State Hermitage Museum. The main architectural outfit of the Hermitage is located in the heart of St Petersburg and consists in: Winter Palace, when the former state house of the Russian emperors, buildings of the Small, Old (Great) and New Hermitages, the Hermitage Theatre and the Auxiliary House.

Answer 8

Moscow is the second most expensive city in the world. Aside from that and the cold in the winter time its great. I lived there a few years ago and really miss it sometimes.

Answer 9

My neighbor Nikita lived in an orphanage in Moscow for 8 years. When his parents went to adopt him they had a lot of fun just sightseeing and souvenir's shopping! Definitely Dress warm. Its freezing!

Answer 10

A good site to visit to answer your questions is:

www.expat.ru


It is in English and run and frequented by English and American ex-pats with a few other nationalities.

Go to forums. Plenty of info there.

Good luck!

Pyotrr