Moldova is liked by tourists and expats for its average accommodation prices. Learn more about the cost of renting apartments, utilities, groceries and healthcare in the country

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Moldova has always attracted tourists with its picturesque landscapes and reasonable prices. Ukraine's southern neighbour is considered one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. Nevertheless, Moldova continues to accept Ukrainian refugees and helps them to settle in the country.

In particular, Moldova has become one of the most comfortable countries to live in, so we share the current prices for renting a house, groceries, entertainment and travel in the country.

Please note that the national currency of the country is Moldovan leu, but for the sake of ease of understanding prices, we indicate them in euros. The exchange rate is as of 4 November 2024: 1 euro = 19.45 Moldovan lei.

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Renting a house in Moldova

Renting an apartment in Moldova is more expensive than in Ukraine. The cost depends on the city you choose. In small towns such as Orhei, Ungheni, and Soroca, renting a one-bedroom apartment costs about 250 euros per month. Two-bedroom apartments in these towns are offered for around 350 euros, depending on the condition of the property and the availability of furniture.

The situation in larger cities, especially in the capital Chisinau, shows a much higher price range. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central districts of Chisinau ranges from €300 to €500 per month. For a two-bedroom apartment in the capital, you will have to pay from 400 to 600 euros. In Balti, the second largest city in the country, prices are slightly lower: one-bedroom apartments can be rented for 250-350 euros, two-bedroom apartments - for 300-450 euros.

Read more about the conditions of employment for foreigners in Moldova and the difficulties faced by Ukrainian citizens when looking for a job here.

How to rent an apartment in Moldova?

The most popular websites for finding accommodation for rent in Moldova:

- 999.md;

- Makler.md;

- Locals.md.

For a successful move and to avoid any troubles, it is worth contacting specialists. The lawyers of Visit Ukraine provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

Prices for utilities in Moldova

As for utilities, their cost significantly depends on the season. During the heating season (October-April), the total amount of utility bills for a one-room apartment is approximately €80-120 per month. In the summer, this amount is reduced to 40-60 euros. These amounts include heating, electricity, water, gas and garbage collection.

Read moreabout the system of registration of Ukrainian refugees in Moldova here.

Food prices in Moldova today

In Moldova, it is easy to find inexpensive organic products. They are usually bought not in advance, but just before cooking. You can also find farm products, including dairy products, fruits and vegetables.

Basic food products in Moldovan stores cost as follows: bread - 0.4-0.6 euros, a litre of milk - 0.75-1 euros, a dozen eggs - 1.75-2 euros, a kilo of chicken fillet - 4.25-5 euros, a kilo of pork - 6-7.5 euros. Vegetables and fruits: a kilo of potatoes costs €0.6-0.75, tomatoes €1.25-2.25, cucumbers €1.5-2.5, apples €0.75-1.25. Sunflower oil costs about 1.75-2 euros per litre, rice and buckwheat - 1.25-1.75 euros per kilo.

For a family of three, the monthly food budget in Moldova is approximately €200-300. This amount includes a balanced diet with meat and dairy products, fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals and other essentials. In the capital, costs can be 15-20% higher than in the regions.

Dinner in a middle-class restaurant in Chisinau for one person with a main course, salad and drink costs 10-15 euros. In premium establishments, the cost of dinner can reach 20-30 euros per person. In regional cities, restaurant prices are lower - dinner will cost 7-12 euros per person. A business lunch in an ordinary cafe costs 4.50-7.50 euros.

You can find out moreabout the rules for crossing the border with Moldova, the necessary documents, convenient routes and other important nuances here.

Prices in Moldova for fuel and public transport

Public transport covers almost every district of the country. Fares vary depending on the city and type of transport. In Chisinau, a trolleybus or bus ride costs about €0.15 if you pay with a transport card and about €0.30 if you pay in cash. Taxis (minibuses) in the capital cost €0.35-0.40 per trip.

In other major cities of Moldova, such as Balti and Orhei, the fare is slightly lower.

A monthly travel card for all types of municipal transport in Chisinau costs around €9, making it a good option for daily travel. Students and pensioners can enjoy reduced fares and special travel tickets with up to 50% discounts.

At city petrol stations in Moldova, the cost of A-95 petrol is about €1-1.15 per litre, diesel fuel - €0.95-1.05 per litre, LPG - €0.55-0.65 per litre.

Keep in mind that a Green Card is a prerequisite for legal driving in Moldova. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

For more informationon compulsory car insurance in Moldova, as well as fines for drivers in Moldova, please follow the links.

Moldova: prices for medical services

Ukrainians who have been granted protection in Moldova use medical services like citizens of the country. To receive medical care, you need to have a document confirming your Ukrainian citizenship. In addition to public institutions, there are also private clinics in the country.

Take care of your health when travelling to Europe with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

Life in Moldova: budget for a month

For a family of three to live comfortably in Moldova in 2024, you will need approximately 1000-1250 euros per month. This amount includes the cost of rent, food, transport, leisure and medical expenses.

Just a reminder. There will be temporary changes in the operation of checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border due to technical works. Read about the new schedule, alternative border crossing routes and the necessary documents for travelling to Moldova by car here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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