Written by Travel Safe Team
How Much Does It Cost to Live In Belarus?
If you are thinking of relocation, and you do not know where to go, you might want to consider Belarus.
The cost of living in Belarus is low in comparison to other European countries and that is very attractive to foreigners who want to move house.
You should know that it is on the list of the 10 least expensive locations and once you get acquainted with the low prices there, it would be easier for you to decide.
Cost of Living Index:
35.4
* Based on Research & User Data
Belarus : Cost of Living by City
Belarus : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Alcohol is far too cheap than in some other countries while you can get a bottle of water at the price of $0.5.
There are restaurants for everybody’s taste and budget, from those inexpensive ones where a meal costs up to $10, to the poshest ones where you will need a lot of money for a simple meal.
MARKETS
According to the data, it can be concluded that the prices of food in Belarus are quite affordable and reasonable.
Being that the loaf of bread and milk cost $0.6, people here do not have to think about discounts, since they can afford to buy it at regular prices.
TRANSPORTATION
Due to the not-so-expensive price of gasoline, driving as well as public transportation in Belarus is quite affordable, too.
A gallon of gasoline price $0.94, while a one-way ticket costs around $0.3.
If you want to save on transportation, you can always buy a monthly ticket at the price of about $18.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
The cost of living in Belarus is affordable when the prices of utilities such as water, electricity, and garbage are in question.
The whole payment for them can range from $60 without the Internet to $77 with it.
It is very interesting that the calls from mobile phones are so cheap that one minute does not exceed $0.05.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Belarus is not too expensive when it comes to entertainment.
Cinema tickets are less than $5 and tennis court rent reaches $17.
Sports people who earn their wages out of Belarus, in some more developed countries, would be amazed by the price of the gym.
CLOTHING & SHOES
It is amazing that Belarus is not like other countries, where clothing takes the least of the budget.
Clothes and shoes are the expenses that more money is spent on than utilities.
However, the prices are not at all low and taking the minimum wage, they can be considered quite high, being that the pair of running shoes are $99.
RENT PER MONTH
Once foreigners come to live and work in Belarus, they usually look for an apartment in the capital city, Minsk.
This is due to the closeness of the workplace, but they should know that $100 cheaper are the apartments in other smaller cities or out of the city center, and that much cannot be spent on commuting.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Belarus
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $9.96 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.19 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.50 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $0.79 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.63 |
| Eggs (12) | $0.41 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.34 |
| Monthly Pass | $17.52 |
| Gasoline | $0.94 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $59.39 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.05 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $13.57 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $33.31 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $16.56 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $4.01 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $59.20 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $41.85 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $98.48 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $355.12 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $251.89 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $661.49 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Belarus?
The citizens of Belarus give most of their monthly budget to food.
Even though it is not expensive, it is of utmost importance for daily life.
As with any other country, rental accommodations in Belarus take a high amount of money, no matter whether the apartment is in the city center or in the suburbs.
Belarus is not so expensive country in terms of restaurants and cafes and people tend to visit restaurants frequently and spend more money on utilities and transportation.
It is also interesting to note that clothes are more frequently bought and more money is spent on them than on utilities which are not common in other countries.
Average Costs Breakdown
Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Rent Per Month
Belarus: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Belarus is not so rich country and its development affects the prices and lifestyle of its people in general.
Minimum wages are low, not more than $178 and that cannot cover the rent, not to speak about other expenses.
The average salary is quite higher, reaching $508, and people who earn it can lead a decent life there.
Buying your own place would be difficult in Belarus, due to the high mortgage interest rates that exceed 19%.
You should pay attention when coming there to the amount of money you will monthly get so as to be able to cover all the costs.
Average Salary$508.31
Minimum Wage$178.8
Mortgage Interest Rate19.31%
Belarus Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Belarus Safety Review
Safety Index:
77
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Belarus
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Minsk | 34.07 |
As a seasoned traveler and avid researcher in the realm of international living, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. Over the years, I've delved deep into understanding the nuances of cost-of-living metrics, drawing from my experiences and tapping into a broad network of resources to provide accurate and up-to-date information. Now, let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the provided article about the cost of living in Belarus.
1. Cost of Living Index (35.4):
- The Cost of Living Index, a crucial metric, sits at 35.4 for Belarus. This index is an aggregate measure, likely incorporating factors such as housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses. A lower index suggests a more affordable cost of living.
2. Restaurants and Alcohol Prices:
- Belarus offers a diverse range of dining options, catering to different budgets. Meals in inexpensive restaurants average around $9.96. The article highlights the affordability of alcohol, making Belarus an attractive destination for those who enjoy a lower cost of spirits compared to some other European countries.
3. Market Prices:
- The cost of basic food items, such as a loaf of bread and a liter of milk, is notably affordable at $0.6 and $0.79, respectively. The article emphasizes that these prices allow residents to comfortably afford groceries without relying on discounts.
4. Transportation Costs:
- Belarus boasts affordable transportation options, with gasoline priced at $0.94 per gallon and a one-way ticket for public transportation at around $0.3. Monthly passes, a cost-saving option, are available for approximately $18.
5. Utilities:
- The monthly cost of utilities in Belarus ranges from $60 to $77, including water, electricity, garbage, and heating/cooling. Interestingly, mobile phone calls are exceptionally inexpensive, with rates as low as $0.05 per minute.
6. Sports and Leisure:
- Belarus provides cost-effective options for leisure activities. Cinema tickets are less than $5, tennis court rentals reach $17, and fitness club memberships are priced at around $33.31 per month.
7. Clothing and Shoes:
- Contrary to some countries where clothing is a minor budgetary concern, Belarus sees a significant expenditure on clothes and shoes. Despite this, prices, when compared to the minimum wage, might be considered relatively high, such as running shoes costing $99.
8. Rent Prices:
- Rental costs vary based on location. Apartments in Minsk, the capital city, average $355.12 per month for a one-bedroom in the city center. However, apartments outside the city center can be $100 cheaper, emphasizing the trade-off between proximity to work and cost.
9. Average Spending Breakdown:
- The average Belarusian allocates a substantial portion of their budget to food (33.6%), followed by rent (20.4%), indicating the significance of these expenses in daily life. Notably, clothing expenses surpass utilities in frequency and spending.
10. Average Salary, Minimum Wage, and Mortgages:
- Belarus faces economic challenges reflected in its minimum wage of $178.8, which is insufficient to cover rent and other expenses. The average salary of $508 offers a more comfortable lifestyle, but high mortgage interest rates (19.31%) pose challenges for those considering homeownership.
11. Safety Overview:
- The safety index for Belarus is 77, indicating a low overall risk. The article details specific risks, including low risks for transport, taxis, pickpockets, mugging, terrorism, scams, and women travelers. However, there is a medium risk associated with natural disasters.
In conclusion, Belarus presents an attractive option for those seeking a lower cost of living, particularly in terms of food, transportation, and leisure activities. However, the economic landscape, reflected in wages and mortgage rates, poses challenges that prospective residents should carefully consider. Additionally, the safety overview suggests a generally secure environment with low risks in various categories.
