Kharkiv is the second largest city in Ukraine, the industrial and educational heart of the country, and it has remained so even during the war. The issue of the cost of living in this city is extremely relevant for locals, IDPs and visitors. Find out how the unique combination of affordable housing, food and utility prices, along with the challenges caused by the war, creates a unique picture of Kharkiv's financial reality

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Although Kharkiv in 2024 is considered a frontline city, it remains a dynamic metropolis with a relatively affordable standard of living. Let's take a look at the main aspects of living costs in the city, including food prices, utilities, and rental prices.

Renting a house and the cost of living in Kharkiv

Kharkiv is a city with a population of over a million people, and therefore traditionally offers a wide range of housing for rent: from inexpensive apartments on the outskirts to modern apartments in new buildings and in the city center. At the same time, due to the constant shelling of the city, housing prices in Kharkiv are among the lowest in Ukraine and definitely the lowest among regional centers. The supply of housing for rent in Kharkiv is higher than the demand, so there will be no difficulties in choosing the right apartment.

Rental prices depend on the area, proximity to the metro, and the condition of the housing stock.

Budget accommodation in Kharkiv

✔️ A room or studio apartment in residential areas of Kharkiv now costs from 4000 to 7000 UAH per month ($100-185), but you can find options even cheaper.

✔️ Accommodation in an inexpensive hostel or dormitory will cost an average of 300 UAH per day ($8), which is about 9000 UAH per month ($240).

Popular areas for budget accommodation: Saltovka, Rohan, North Saltovka. These districts, although remote from the center, have convenient transportation to other parts of the city and a well-developed infrastructure.

A comfortable option for living in Kharkiv

✔️ Renting a one-room apartment closer to the center or near the metro costs from 7,000 to 10,000 UAH per month ($175-250).

✔️ One-bedroom apartments in areas with developed infrastructure can be found for 11,000-14,000 UAH per month ($275-350).

Popular areas for comfortable living: Alekseevka, Pavlovo Pole, Universytet metro area. It is convenient to live here due to the proximity to leisure centers, shops, and parks.

An expensive option for living in Kharkiv

✔️Розкішні apartments in new buildings in the center of Kharkiv cost from 25,000 UAH ($650) per month and more.

✔️Елітні apartments in modern residential complexes near Sumy Street will cost 30,000-40,000 UAH ($780-1040) per month.

Interesting facts about Kharkiv can be found in our previous article

The cost of utilities in Kharkiv

Utilities in Kharkiv depend on the type of housing and the season.

✔️ One-room apartment - 1800-2500 UAH ($47-65) in summer and up to 4000 UAH ($104) in winter.

✔️ A two-room apartment costs about 3500-5000 UAH ($91-130).

✔️ For three-room apartments and larger, utility costs will be from 6000 UAH ($156) per month.

Important! The city's energy supply system is constantly affected by shelling, which can affect the quality and timeliness of utilities. At the same time, Kharkiv utilities are doing everything possible, and sometimes impossible, to ensure that Kharkiv residents and visitors receive heat, water and electricity.

Kharkiv is also actively implementing energy efficiency programs in its housing stock, including autonomous heating systems for individual households. The city also provides utility subsidies for certain categories of citizens.

Earlier we wrote about how Kharkiv lives during the war

Public transportation in Kharkiv

Kharkiv has a developed and modern public transportation network: subways, buses, trolleybuses, and trams that provide convenient access to all districts of the city.

Please note! Due to the martial law in the country, as well as the constant shelling of the city by Russia, free travel for all types of public transport has been introduced in Kharkiv since 2022!

Thus, Kharkiv is the only city in the world (!) where the subway has been completely free for several years in a row for both Kharkiv residents and visitors. Kharkiv's subway also serves as a bomb shelter during shelling of the city.

There are also popular taxi services in Kharkiv, such as Bolt and Uklon, with minimum fares starting at 60 UAH ($1.60).

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Eating out in cafes and restaurants in Kharkiv

The catering scene in Kharkiv is diverse both in terms of tastes and cuisines and budget.

Budget meals in Kharkiv

✔️ Breakfast in an inexpensive cafe - 80-130 UAH ($2-3.50).

✔️ Lunch in an affordable restaurant costs 150-250 UAH ($4-6.50).

✔️ Coffee costs about 35-50 UAH ($0.90-1.30).

Middle segment

✔️ Breakfast in a mid-range cafe for one person costs 200-300 UAH ($5.20-7.80).

✔️ Dinner with drinks costs from 500 UAH ($13) per person.

Elite meals

✔️ Dinner in a high-end restaurant in Kharkiv will cost at least 1000 UAH ($26) per person.

A grocery basket in Kharkiv

Despite the threat of shelling, supermarket chains operate in Kharkiv, and a wide range of products is available at local markets. Food prices in Kharkiv remain moderate due to well-developed logistics from other regions of Ukraine.

✔️ The minimum grocery basket for one person costs about 3500 UAH ($91) per month.

✔️ Groceries for a family of three will cost 10,000-11,000 UAH ($260-285) per month.

Medical services in Kharkiv

There are numerous public and private medical institutions in Kharkiv, which are used by both residents and visitors.

✔️ A consultation with a private doctor costs from 400 UAH ($10.40).

✔️ Tests cost from 350 UAH ($9).

✔️ MRI or ultrasound - from 1200 UAH ($31).

Gyms in Kharkiv

In Kharkiv, you can find gyms and fitness centers for every taste.

✔️ A monthly subscription to a basic gym costs from 600 UAH ($15.60).

✔️ A visit to a modern fitness club with a swimming pool will cost 1500-2500 UAH ($39-65) per month.

Leisure and entertainment in Kharkiv

As of today, Kharkiv continues to be under constant shelling, so most of the city's entertainment venues are either operating with restrictions or are closed. At the same time, some local theaters and cinemas are organizing work in safe basements.

✔️ Movie tickets start at 180 UAH ($4.70).

✔️ Theater tickets cost 80-120 UAH ($2-3.10).

✔️ Dinner in a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city - from 800 UAH ($21).

Average salary and labor market in Kharkiv

Kharkiv is currently going through some difficult times in terms of the economy. Due to the constant military threat, many enterprises and companies in the city were forced to relocate their businesses to other regions of Ukraine. At the same time, the Kharkiv labor market has enough offers in almost every sector of the economy.

The average salary in Kharkiv in 2024 is UAH 16,000-22,000 ($415-570) per month. The most profitable areas are IT, engineering, medicine, and trade.

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

✔️ A budget option for living is from UAH 12,000 to 17,000 per month ($310-440).

✔️ Average living costs from 20,000 to 28,000 UAH per month ($520-730).

✔️ Elite lifestyle - from 35,000 UAH per month ($910) and more.

Conclusion: Kharkiv, even in the most difficult conditions, offers a wide range of inexpensive housing, food and some leisure opportunities.

A safe and comfortable life in Ukraine in the current environment is achievable with certain solutions. Financial security is one of the key aspects of adapting to the current challenges of living in Ukrainian cities. Visit Ukraine emphasizes that during the period of military aggression, choosing the right insurance policy becomes an important step. Today, an insurance product covering risks associated with military operations and guaranteeing timely payments is in demand. This policy helps to protect not only your own life and property in times of war, but also to provide protection for your family and friends.

Just a reminder. Foreigners residing in Ukraine can cancel their residence permit in Ukraine on their own, subject to legal formalities. 

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