Job Discussion Forums

[Sheri C.]

Hey everyone ,
I am new to the wonderful world of TESOL and will be moving, hopefully, over to either Russia, or the Ukraine to teach english in August. I was wondering if anyone could clue me in on the cost of living over there. I just want to know basic stuff like rent, food, beer ect. I would also like to know how much money I should have saved up before I go. Much appreciated!

Sheri C.

[canucktechie]

Food should be pretty much the same everywhere. I spend about $5 a day and eat a lot of fruit & vegetables, yogurt, bread, pelmeni, chicken, etc.

Rent is extremely variable - in Moscow you are unlikely to find anything under $500 a month. On the other hand outside Moscow and St. Pete and Kiev you should be OK on $100 a month.

A 1 1/2 litre bottle of beer at the supermarket costs me abouut $1.25.

You can see concerts, sports events and movies for under $10. Ukraine will be cheaper than Russia.

As to how much money you need to bring, that depends entirely on what your arrangements are. If you have a job already lined up with accommodation, you only need to bring enough to make it until your first payday. On the other hand if you are going to go over and look for work in-country, you could end up spending a lot of money.