Cost of Living in Elista - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $470 (excluding rent), and $992 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,267 (excluding rent), and $2,085 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$9.6 ₽766
$5.95 ₽475
$19.21 ₽1,533
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$35.94 ₽2,868
$29.95 ₽2,390
$59.9 ₽4,779
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.91 ₽392
$4.37 ₽349
$6 ₽479
Cappuccino
$2.02 ₽161
$1.11 ₽88.4
$3.32 ₽265
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.14 ₽91.2
$0.87 ₽69.6
$1.97 ₽158
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.48 ₽38.11
$0.36 ₽28.96
$0.97 ₽77.8
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.29 ₽103
$0.95 ₽75.5
$3.53 ₽282
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.34 ₽187
$1.75 ₽140
$4.09 ₽326
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.29 ₽103
$1.11 ₽88.3
$1.6 ₽127
White Bread (500g)
$0.68 ₽54.2
$0.51 ₽40.63
$1.02 ₽81.3
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.57 ₽126
$1 ₽79.8
$2.14 ₽170
Eggs
$1.92 ₽154
$1.43 ₽114
$2.43 ₽194
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.05 ₽802
$5.9 ₽470
$15.33 ₽1,223
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.38 ₽429
$4.19 ₽335
$7.03 ₽561
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.92 ₽712
$6.4 ₽511
$11.52 ₽919
Apples (1kg)
$1.59 ₽127
$0.97 ₽77.6
$2.29 ₽182
Banana (1kg)
$1.97 ₽157
$1.62 ₽129
$2.62 ₽209
Oranges (1kg)
$1.82 ₽146
$1.19 ₽94.8
$3.09 ₽246
Tomato (1kg)
$2.67 ₽213
$1.61 ₽129
$4.34 ₽346
Potato (1kg)
$0.86 ₽68.6
$0.53 ₽42.65
$1.33 ₽106
Onion (1kg)
$0.7 ₽55.8
$0.38 ₽30.72
$1.03 ₽82.5
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.44 ₽115
$0.9 ₽71.7
$1.98 ₽158
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.59 ₽47.19
$0.44 ₽34.88
$0.76 ₽60.9
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.9 ₽231
$2.5 ₽200
$3.25 ₽259
Wine (Bottle)
$6.58 ₽525
$4.58 ₽365
$9.73 ₽776
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.09 ₽87
$0.85 ₽67.4
$1.41 ₽113
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.8 ₽144
$1.2 ₽96.1
$3.01 ₽240
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.54 ₽43.12
$0.46 ₽36.36
$0.54 ₽43.12
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.81 ₽145
$1.21 ₽96.8
$3.03 ₽242
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.29 ₽23.07
$0.14 ₽11.54
$0.48 ₽38.68
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.13 ₽569
$4.28 ₽341
$8.55 ₽682
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.82 ₽65.4
$0.76 ₽61
$0.87 ₽69.7
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$37.8K ₽3M
$28.6K ₽2.3M
$49K ₽3.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35K ₽2.8M
$27.5K ₽2.2M
$43.8K ₽3.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$115 ₽9,155
$87.1 ₽6,947
$185 ₽14.8K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.4 ₽511
$4.09 ₽327
$9.35 ₽746
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$7.3 ₽582
$5.51 ₽440
$11.12 ₽888
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$38.11 ₽3,040
$13.61 ₽1,086
$38.11 ₽3,040
Cinema Ticket
$4.51 ₽360
$3.94 ₽315
$5.64 ₽450
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$291 ₽23.2K
$228 ₽18.2K
$342 ₽27.3K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$6,693 ₽534K
$4,259 ₽339.8K
$6,693 ₽534K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$71.3 ₽5,688
$37.28 ₽2,975
$123 ₽9,826
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$41.78 ₽3,334
$23.88 ₽1,906
$59.7 ₽4,763
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$115 ₽9,193
$64 ₽5,107
$192 ₽15.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$93 ₽7,417
$55.2 ₽4,406
$138 ₽11K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$473 ₽37.7K
$338 ₽26.9K
$540 ₽43.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$324 ₽25.9K
$243 ₽19.4K
$358 ₽28.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$819 ₽65.3K
$478 ₽38.1K
$819 ₽65.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$475 ₽37.9K
$297 ₽23.7K
$475 ₽37.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,861 ₽148.5K
$1,470 ₽117.3K
$1,923 ₽153.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,442 ₽115K
$1,198 ₽95.6K
$1,597 ₽127.4K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
15.33
8
25
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Elista - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elista a good-value base for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does the cost compare to bigger cities?
In many ways, Elista offers a calmer pace with everyday prices that feel more approachable than in Russia's major capitals. You will find affordable rents for comfortable apartments, reasonable groceries, and service costs that fit a modest budget. The trade-off is that salaries and some imported goods can be pricier than expected, and certain Western-style amenities are limited. Overall, Cost of Living in Elista tends to reward thoughtful budgeting and longer stays. Tip: Explore different neighborhoods to balance access, vibe, and rent.
What does daily life look like for a traveler or remote worker in Elista, including housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Elista centers on practical choices. Housing searches yield options in central neighborhoods for quick access to markets, then quieter outskirts for larger space if needed. Food options span local markets, dairies, bakeries, and retail chains; cooking at home can stretch your budget, while casual eateries offer quick meals. Transportation relies on buses, marshrutkas, taxis, and walking or biking in the compact core. For a quick guide to Elista living cost, compare cafe wifi costs and coworking day passes, and plan errands around market days. Tip: Carry local currency for small vendors and learn basic phrases.
What factors influence quality of life, budgeting frameworks, seasonal changes, and choosing the right neighborhood in Elista?
Quality of life in Elista hinges on pace, access to essentials, and community vibe. To budget effectively, frame your month around housing, utilities, groceries, and transport, with a buffer for seasonal adjustments like heating or cooling, and occasional events. Neighborhood fit matters: central districts offer walkable access to markets and cafes, while quieter outskirts can mean bigger space at lower rent. Save by cooking at home, shopping at farmers markets, and using public transport or bike sharing rather than taxis for short trips. Seasonality affects wardrobe choices and outdoor plans, so choose a home with good insulation and reliable heating. Tip: Prioritize a neighborhood that balances convenience and budget, then test it by a weekend stay.
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