Cost of living in Chisinau
Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova, offers a unique blend of Eastern European culture and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Chisinau is crucial for anyone considering relocating or visiting the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $7.68 on average, with a range between $4.21 and $16.46.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $32.92, with prices ranging from $24.69 to $65.84.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.58, with a range between $6.58 and $8.23.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.99 to $2.74, imported beer $1.65 to $3.29, cappuccino $1.1 to $2.47, and Coke/Pepsi $0.66 to $1.37.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.82 and $1.65 per liter, averaging $1.19.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.38 and $0.82, with an average price of $0.51.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.25 to $2.96, averaging $2.33.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.55 to $1.1 per kg, while oranges range from $1.1 to $2.19 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.44 and $0.88 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.55 to $2.19 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.33, with a monthly pass priced between $12.84 and $18.11.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.24 and $1.43 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.92, with a cost of $0.22 to $0.4 per km and $3.29 to $6.58 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $368.78 to $737.56, averaging $532.32.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $274.35 to $526.83, averaging $381.6.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $737.56 to $1896.6, averaging $989.56.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $548.7 to $987.66, averaging $727.61.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1316.87 to $2634.16, averaging $1718.64.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $964.1 to $1685.86, averaging $1239.58.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $109.74 and $384.09, averaging $202.21.
- Internet - Internet services range from $8.23 to $14.81, with an average cost of $10.62.
Cost of Living Rankings
Chisinau ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Moldova. The cost of living indices for Moldova are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Moldova, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Chisinau offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many European capitals. Dining out is inexpensive, and public transportation is very affordable.
Housing costs are moderate, with a significant difference between city centre and suburban areas. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced.
For those looking to save, consider living outside the city centre and utilizing public transport for daily commutes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chisinau presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and transportation options. While housing costs can vary, they remain accessible compared to other European cities.
Potential residents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with moderate expenses, making Chisinau an attractive option for both expatriates and locals alike.