Areas and Prices

Central Moscow

As you would expect, Central Moscow is one of the most expensive areas of Moscow to rent accommodation. This is nothing unusual. You have the benefits of amenities and entertainment on your doorstep and if you like the hustle and bustle of city life then you’ll love Central Moscow! Building styles vary greatly; from ornate, pre-revolutionary apartment buildings to ultra-modern skyscrapers to crumbling 1960’s monoliths…the centre has it all! But expect to pay starting from 2500 USD per month for a studio or 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre.

North, North East and East Moscow

As with most regions out with the city centre, the further you go from the metro’s circle line the cheaper the property gets. That said transport also plays a large part in rental costs. A brand new property right next to a metro station on the outskirts of Moscow can set you back almost as much as a city centre property. North, North East and East Moscow are generally well served by the metro and there are some lovely parks around such as Izmaylovskiy, Sokolniki, Kuskovo and Kuzminki where you can take a stroll or go for a run. Admittedly, some areas near the city limits and around markets are very run down and consist largely of grey, prefabricated post-war blocks. A renovated studio apartment in one of these areas could be yours for around 1300 USD or a one bedroom for around 1800 USD. It is worth remembering that there are no truly ‘dangerous’ areas to live in Moscow – some areas are simply more pleasant than others!

South East, South and South West Moscow

The south of Moscow is the most densely populated area. The metro is always packed and the traffic is horrendous! However, the area is very well served by public transport and there are some areas that have been regenerated to provide modern and affordable accommodation. The south is dotted with factories and power stations which also affects living costs. These are among the lowest in Moscow – you can get a decent one bedroom apartment around 1000 - 1300 USD here, especially in the south east. The area is a real mash up of Stalin-era buildings, gigantic concrete tower blocks and modern developments. It won’t win any beauty contests but there are some decent neighbourhoods with good amenities and transport links.

West and North West Moscow

Outside of the centre, the west of Moscow is the most expensive place to live. There are various reasons for this, including better environmental conditions, more open space, a higher quality of property and good transport links. There are many modern luxury developments throughout the west and north west where you will pay upwards of 2000 USD for a one bedroom apartment. There is still some affordable property for around 1000 - 1300 USD in this area for those of you on a budget but you may need to compromise on location, distance to the metro or size of the property. As you get further out of Moscow there are many luxury villages that are home to Moscow’s rich and famous. These areas have some of the most expensive properties in the world!

The Moscow Region

Moscow also has a large commuter belt which has grown dramatically over the last few years. Towns such as Mytischi, Khimki, Zelenograd and Butovo are all within 45 minute of central Moscow by public transport and are now extremely popular with young families and those looking for a better quality of accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Most commuter towns have frequent trains to Moscow and bus services that link up with the metro. A good quality one bedroom apartment in a commuter town can cost as little as 800 - 1000 USD and can be a good option for those on a budget or wanting a quieter lifestyle.