Mykolaiv is a Ukrainian port city with an important economic importance. Despite the war, the city has remained resilient and continues to develop, offering a comfortable life for those who choose to call it home. In 2024, Mykolaiv became a center for some IDPs looking for an affordable life in Ukraine. Find out how much it costs to live in Mykolaiv for a month and how this city is suitable for different budgets

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Located in the south of Ukraine, Mykolaiv is strategically important as a seaport and an important shipbuilding center. Despite the war, the city has maintained its resilience and remains a center of economic activity. It combines industrial and agricultural sectors, making the city attractive to those looking for new job opportunities and affordable living. Let's take a look at how Mykolaiv lives today, what services are available to local residents, and how this regional center has adapted to the realities of war.

Rental housing and the cost of living in Mykolaiv

The housing market in Mykolaiv has been quite unstable in recent years due to Russia's military aggression and the large number of IDPs from Kherson. Thus, in 2024, rental prices in Mykolaiv are somewhat high compared to Vinnytsia or Kropyvnytskyi.

Budget accommodation in Mykolaiv

✔️ Renting a room or a small apartment on the outskirts of Mykolaiv will cost at least 4000-5000 UAH/month ($100-125).

✔️ Accommodation in the cheapest hostel will cost from 180 UAH/night ($4.50), which is about 5400 UAH/month ($135).

Comfortable accommodation in Mykolaiv

✔️ A one-bedroom apartment in the central or residential districts of Mykolaiv can be rented for 8500-9500 UAH/month ($200-237).

✔️ One-bedroom apartments in residential areas will cost 9000-11000 UAH/month ($220-270).

✔️ Comfortable hostels cost from 250 UAH/day ($6.50).

Expensive accommodation in Mykolaiv

✔️ Renting a spacious apartment with three or four rooms in new buildings in the center of Mykolaiv can reach 14,000-16,000 UAH/month ($340-390).

✔️ Luxury apartments or a spacious private house in Mykolaiv will cost from 18,000 UAH/month ($450).

Cost of utilities in Mykolaiv

Prices for utilities in Mykolaiv remain at an acceptable level even in winter.

✔️ For a one-room apartment in the summer season, the costs will be about 1200-1600 UAH/month ($30-40), and in winter they can reach 2500 UAH ($60).

✔️ For two-room apartments, utilities will be 2800-3500 UAH ($70-85).

✔️ For private houses or large apartments, utilities will cost from 4000 UAH ($100).

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Public transportation in Mykolaiv

Mykolaiv has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trolleybuses, and fixed-route taxis. This provides residents with an affordable way to get around the city.

✔️ By bus or trolleybus: 10 UAH ($0.25)

✔️ Taxi: 12 UAH ($0.30)

✔️ Monthly travel card: 380 UAH ($9.50)

Taxis in Mykolaiv

Taxis in Mykolaiv are one of the most affordable in Ukraine, the cost varies depending on the class of the car:

✔️ Economy: from 45 UAH ($1.10)

✔️ Standard: 70-100 UAH ($1.75-2.50)

✔️ Premium: from 130 UAH ($3.25)

Earlier we told you about the cost of living in Poltava and Chernihiv

Food in cafes and restaurants in Mykolaiv

Mykolaiv is known for its gastronomic traditions, and the city has many dining options to suit every taste and budget. Although the city's nightlife is subdued due to the curfew, catering establishments continue to operate until it starts. Among the restaurants, those offering seafood are especially popular.

Budget meals in Mykolaiv

✔️ Breakfast in a cafe: 60-90 UAH ($1.50-2.25)

✔️ Lunch in an inexpensive restaurant: 130-180 UAH ($3.25-4.50)

✔️ Dinner in a fast food restaurant: 80-120 UAH ($2-3)

✔️ Coffee: 20-40 UAH ($0.50-1)

The average meal in Mykolaiv

✔️ Breakfast in a restaurant: from 180 UAH ($4.50)

✔️ Lunch: 250-320 UAH ($6-8)

✔️ Dinner: 400-480 UAH ($10-12)

Elite meals in Mykolaiv

✔️ In prestigious restaurants of Mykolaiv, a dinner for one person can cost from 900 UAH ($22), which is much lower compared to Kyiv or Lviv.

Food basket in Mykolaiv

Thanks to the fertile lands of southern Ukraine, Mykolaiv offers affordable prices for local products.

Budget version of the grocery basket

✔️ For one person: from 2400 UAH/month ($60)

✔️ For a family of three: from 6500 UAH/month ($160)

Medium version of the grocery basket

✔️ For one person: 3200-4000 UAH/month ($80-100)

✔️ For a family of three: 8500-10 000 UAH/month ($210-250)

Premium version of the grocery basket

✔️ For a family of three, a basket with premium products can reach 12,000-14,000 UAH/month ($300-350).

Please note! In Mykolaiv, as in any other regional center of Ukraine, there are plenty of shopping and entertainment centers where you can find entertainment for children, shopping, and catering establishments. The largest of them is the City Center shopping mall, which offers both shops and recreation areas.

Medical services in Mykolaiv

The city has both large public and private hospitals, and there are polyclinics in every district of the city. Major hospitals provide free or subsidized medical services under the state health insurance program.

✔️ Consultation in a private clinic: 250-600 UAH ($6-15)

✔️ Tests: from 150 UAH ($4)

✔️ MRI or ultrasound: 800-1800 UAH ($20-45)

Gyms in Mykolaiv

For those who love sports, there are numerous gyms and fitness clubs in Mykolaiv.

✔️ An inexpensive gym membership costs from 450 UAH/month ($11).

✔️ A modern gym with high-quality equipment will cost from 850 UAH/month ($21).

✔️ Unlimited gym memberships in Mykolaiv start at 1100 UAH ($27).

Leisure and entertainment in Mykolaiv

Despite the challenges of war, Mykolaiv remains a cultural and entertainment center of Ukraine. This regional center is mostly known for its museums, theaters, and historical monuments. The city also has plenty of parks and natural areas for a relaxing vacation.

✔️ Movie ticket: 90-240 UAH ($2.25-6)

✔️ Entrance to museums: from 40 UAH ($1)

✔️ An evening at a restaurant: from 600 UAH ($15)

✔️ Bowling clubs and billiard rooms are also popular in Mykolaiv. The cost of an hour of bowling starts at 200 UAH ($5), billiards - from 150 UAH ($4).

Interesting. The Mykolaivskyi Yacht Club is a place for lovers of water sports and walks along the Southern Bug.

Average salary in Mykolaiv and the labor market

The average salary in Mykolaiv is about UAH 13,000-15,000 ($320-370). Specialists in the fields of transportation, logistics, and agriculture are most in demand.

So how much does a month of living in Mykolaiv cost?

Mykolaiv is a city where you can live comfortably and economically at the same time, enjoying the benefits of living in the port region of Ukraine.

✔️ The budget option of living in Mykolaiv will cost from 8500 UAH/month ($210)

✔️ Comfortable living in Mykolaiv will cost about 16,000 UAH/month ($400)

✔️ An expensive option of living in Mykolaiv can be provided from 27,000 UAH/month ($680)

Visit Ukraine recommends that you always keep safety in mind and take out an insurance policy covering military risks before traveling or moving to any city in Ukraine. This product is the optimal solution to financial and security problems and guarantees indemnification related to active or passive risks of hostilities on the territory of Ukraine (except for the territories temporarily occupied by Russia), as well as covers standard health risks and medical expenses.

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