How Much Does It Cost to Live In Odessa?
Odessa is a beautiful, engaging and interesting city that tourist would definitely recommend visiting if you ever get the chance.
But, what about living there?
The city is growing and developing daily and this improvement is so fast that many people both from Ukraine and abroad decide to move to Odessa.
While rents are more affordable than in the rest of the country, other expenses are in line with other major cities.
Ukraine : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
In the central area, you might find plenty of restaurants and cafes, and since there is just a lot more going on compared to the suburbs, the prices of meals will be considerably higher.
On the other hand, finding a less expensive restaurant is possible where your meals will be more affordable.
MARKETS
Many people who come to visit Odessa would probably enjoy dining out, but this is not advised to be done so often.
Actually, food in general takes the majority of your budget and eating out can just increase those costs.
That is why you should purchase the ingredients and make your own food at home.
TRANSPORTATION
Considering the fact that the city is not so huge, many places are at the walkable distance.
However, it is very easy to use a network of buses and trams which are both very affordable and efficient in Odessa.
Public transportation system for getting between destinations is more cheaper way of commuting than driving.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
The prices for Internet are more than reasonable here, as you can get ADSL internet at just $4.6.
Depending on how much water and electricity you spend, you need can expect to pay more or less than $80 per month for all the basic utilities.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Enjoying your leisure time is an important portion of life, and people invest a lot in this category.
In Ukraine, as well as in Odessa, sports people will be satisfied with low fitness club fees and tennis court rents.
Even cinema lovers will be able to afford the latest movies at the price of $3.6.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Buying designer clothes in Odessa is affordable only to tourists coming here for a few days, from more developed parts of the world.
People living in Odessa, with incomes lower than $300 cannot afford paying $100 for a pair of running shoes.
RENT PER MONTH
Paying rent for the apartments in Odessa would be one of the greatest expenses.
However, when compared to Western Europe, you might not expect to pay such a low price for a well-furnished place.
In the city center you will be able to find a large, modern apartment at the price of $600.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Odessa
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.51 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $0.92 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.38 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $0.95 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.41 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.21 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.26 |
| Monthly Pass | $6.61 |
| Gasoline | $1.09 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $87.36 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.03 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $4.67 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $18.46 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $9.30 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $3.67 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $67.64 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $48.84 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $97.05 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $284.05 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $200.16 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $591.11 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Odessa?
Despite the great number of houses and apartments that can be rented there, the demand is high and prices are not cheap, so be ready to spend the third of your monthly budget on accommodation.
Wise purchasing of foodstuff will save you pretty much money, as imported goods sold at local stores would not benefit your budget.
People who live on very low salaries should avoid visiting restaurants and spending money on entertainment, as both the average and minimum salary would not be enough for these luxuries.
Average Costs Breakdown
Odessa: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Odessa is a wonderful place so it is a good idea to visit or live in this city.
However, before deciding to come, it is advisable to find out all the possible costs and your future salary, as this will highly affect your living conditions here.
You cannot expect to continue leading the life you are used to in your country, if you do not earn salaries that can cover that.
Rather, you should organize your spendings, determine what is of the utmost importance and then, if possible, put some money aside.
Cost of Living by City in Odessa
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Dnipro | 27.96 |
| Kharkiv | 26.71 |
| Kiev | 29.42 |
| Lviv | 27.24 |
| Sumy | 23.84 |
