For one person, living costs in Makhachkala are estimated at $1,009 a month, including rent and utilities – 18% below the national average. Rent and utilities take more than a third of the total.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Makhachkala actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $1,009 per month with rent, or $584 for everyday expenses alone.
$1,009 /mo
A couple spends around $1,562 per month with rent, or $1,016 for everyday expenses alone.
$1,562 /mo
A family of three spends around $2,115 per month with rent, or $1,449 without housing.
$2,115 /mo
📊
Overall, Makhachkala is about 25% below the global median. Within Europe, costs are well below average (42% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$41.0K₽3.4M
$32.1K₽2.7M
$47.8K₽4.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$37.4K₽3.1M
$34.2K₽2.9M
$43.0K₽3.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$110₽9,172
$87.0₽7,259
$158₽13.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$5.49₽458
$3.29₽274
$8.78₽733
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$8.44₽705
$6.03₽504
$12.06₽1,006
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$35.62₽2,973
$14.37₽1,199
$35.62₽2,973
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$23.57₽1,967
$6.23₽520
$23.57₽1,967
Cinema Ticket
$6.13₽512
$4.67₽390
$8.17₽682
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$348₽29.1K
$276₽23.1K
$360₽30.1K
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$5,288₽441.3K
$3,284₽274.1K
$7,728₽645.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$80.1₽6,688
$35.61₽2,972
$107₽8,916
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$54.1₽4,518
$24.64₽2,056
$73.9₽6,169
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$102₽8,539
$51.2₽4,269
$153₽12.8K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$112₽9,353
$65.0₽5,421
$156₽13.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$460₽38.4K
$351₽29.3K
$460₽38.4K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$315₽26.3K
$228₽19.0K
$315₽26.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$891₽74.4K
$522₽43.6K
$891₽74.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$556₽46.4K
$410₽34.2K
$556₽46.4K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,226₽185.8K
$1,491₽124.4K
$2,226₽185.8K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,492₽124.5K
$1,058₽88.3K
$1,492₽124.5K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$622₽51.9K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
21.45
16
27.5
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 13, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Makhachkala$1,009
Makhachkala$2,115
🏠Accommodation & Living
$315 31.2%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$206 20.4%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$157 15.6%
🍽Eating Out
$153 15.1%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$124 12.3%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$48 4.8%
🚌Getting Around
$6.9 * 0.7%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
🏠Accommodation & Living
$556 26.3%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$475 22.5%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$349 16.5%
🍽Eating Out
$471 22.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$129 6.1%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$119 5.6%
🚌Getting Around
$15 * 0.7%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $460, dropping to $315 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 74% of the average salary ($622) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $622 – below monthly costs of $1,009. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.
🛒Groceries cost around $206 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $32.00 – well below the European average of $73.0.
Cost Highlights
⭐Fast food meal is cheaper than 97% of cities in Europe
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Many residents speak multiple languages, making communication easier
Cost of Living in Makhachkala - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Makhachkala compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Compared with Western capitals, Makhachkala offers a more relaxed price-to-value balance, especially for housing, meals, and daily errands. The Cost of Living in Makhachkala tends to be lower in everyday essentials, with costs shaped by neighborhood choice and seasonal demand. You’ll find a spectrum from compact studios in quieter districts to larger flats near the city center, and proximity to the Caspian coast or transit links can tilt value. Daily meals, groceries, and public transport are typically affordable if you plan a consistent routine rather than casual, last‑minute spending. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to gauge neighborhoods and set a monthly budget.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and coworking in Makhachkala?
Daily routines in Makhachkala revolve around practical budgeting, simple dining, and flexible transport. For housing, search across a mix of quiet residential streets and active city-center pockets; short stays can help you sample neighborhoods before committing long term. Food options range from bustling markets with seasonal produce to casual cafeterias and seaside eateries; cooking at home is common and can stretch your pantry. Public transport and ride-hailing cover most needs, while co-working spaces and caffeinated hubs provide reliable internet. If you’re tracking the Makhachkala living cost, you’ll notice how prices shift with seasons and tourist influx. Tip: Map a two to three neighborhood tour to compare amenities and access.
How would you assess quality of life in Makhachkala and build a budgeting framework that suits long stays or frequent trips?
Quality of life in Makhachkala hinges on pacing, climate, and access to the coast. If you’re budgeting for longer stays, categorize expenses into housing, food, transport, and leisure, then set realistic caps for each category and track them weekly. Opt for a neighborhood mix: a quieter inland zone for rest, plus a short walk to the waterfront or markets for energy and variety. Seasonality influences energy use and dining options; summer seafood and seaside strolls are popular, while winter cooking and indoor cafes become your anchor. Tip: reserve a flexible apartment with a reliable lease structure to adapt as your plans evolve.
How expensive is daily life in Makhachkala?
Makhachkala sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $1,009, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
How much of a salary does housing take in Makhachkala?
Housing in Makhachkala takes a heavy bite – about 74% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
How much should you earn to live well in Makhachkala?
In Makhachkala, $1,513 per month is what most people would call a good salary. It handles rent, food, and utilities with enough left for savings and the occasional splurge. Above that, you unlock better apartments and more freedom with spending.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Makhachkala?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Makhachkala runs about $460 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $315. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How much does eating cost in Makhachkala?
Grocery spending in Makhachkala lands around $206 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much should I budget for food per month in Makhachkala?
Groceries in Makhachkala run about $206 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.
Is $1,500 a month enough for Makhachkala?
$1,500 is below the $1,009 average in Makhachkala, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Makhachkala expat-friendly?
Makhachkala works well for expats – there's a solid range of international services, diverse housing, and established communities of foreigners. English-language options for healthcare, banking, and real estate are increasingly available, making the transition fairly smooth.
Is Makhachkala a cheap city to live in?
Makhachkala is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,009, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
How budget-friendly is Makhachkala for travelers?
Makhachkala is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $1,009, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.
Makhachkala vs other spots: cost of living compared