Moving from the USA to Russia
Russian Utilities
As an American immigrant, what should you expect to pay in utilities in Russia?
I will answer this question based on my apartment. I have a two bedroom apartment.
Internet and cell phone.
I have internet 100 Mbs cable and WIFI router. Also I have 3 sim cards ( 3 cell phones). It is from the same company, so I get one bill and I pay total amount of 1230 rubles ($13) a month (that is highspeed internet and 3 phone lines). That includes rent for router.
Gas
In winter months I pay more. In summer it is cheaper. In summer I pay around 600 rubles ( $6) a month. In winter my bill can climb up to 1500 rubles ($15) a month. I have a gas meter.
Electricity
In summer I pay more because I run AC ( I have two separate units in two different rooms). My total electricity bill is around 1200 ( $13) rubles in summer. In winter I pay around 600 rubles ($7). I have an electricity meter too.
Water
My water is about the same every month. I pay around 900 rubles ($9). I have a water meter.
Trash
I pay a flat fee of 253 rubles ($3) a month. Every month.
Taxes
I work for myself. I pay 4% tax in Russia as a self employed (in addition the government gives you bonus 1% OFF your taxes , so I pay 3%). There is an application you download, and you input any income on your phone that you get. For example, I am an English teacher, so every payment I get from my students I record this in my tax application. At the end of the month I pay a 3% tax on my income in the same application with debit card. That is it. Easy and no need to file taxes. That is because I am citizen. When you come, at the beginning you will have to pay 13% tax.So, for example in June of 2023 I made 101 000 rubles, so my tax was 3000 rubles. So, that is the story. I don't have a mortgage , because I paid cash for my apartment.
So, that is it. There you have it. All my expenses. This what you can expect in utilities as an American when you live in apartment in Russia.
Property Taxes.
For my 2 bedroom apartment my annual tax bill is 696 rubles ($7.25).