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Cost of Living in Chisinau

Chisinau, Chişinău, Moldova · Population 567,038 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Moldova average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)L8,538 ($482)
Couple, monthlyL15,205 ($859)
Family of four, monthlyL19,715 ($1,114)

Estimated Prices in Chisinau

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantL89.74 ($5.07)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeL359 ($20.28)per meal
CappuccinoL26.92 ($1.52)each
Monthly groceries (single person)L2,034 ($115)per month
Monthly public transport passL329 ($18.59)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentL867 ($49.01)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)L251 ($14.20)per month
Fitness club membershipL251 ($14.20)per month
Cinema ticketL65.81 ($3.72)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreL3,673 ($208)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreL2,555 ($144)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreL7,666 ($433)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Chisinau is L10,355 ($585) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of L8,538 ($482) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly L11,099 ($627) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (L2,555 ($144)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Chisinau

Chisinau vs TiraspolChisinau vs BălţiChisinau vs BenderChisinau vs RîbniţaChisinau vs UngheniChisinau vs Cahul

Nearby Cities

Codru

5 km away · Chişinău

Durleşti

6 km away · Chişinău

Stăuceni

8 km away · Chişinău

Bubuieci

9 km away · Chişinău

Ialoveni

10 km away · Ialoveni

Băcioi

13 km away · Chişinău

Truşeni

13 km away · Chişinău

Cricova

13 km away · Chişinău

Other Major Cities in Moldova

Tiraspol

Stînga Nistrului · pop. 133,807

L6,443 ($364) / mo

Bălţi

Bălţi · pop. 90,954

L6,443 ($364) / mo

Bender

Bender · pop. 76,158

L6,443 ($364) / mo

Living in Chisinau

Chisinau is the capital and one of the key cities in Moldova. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is L8,538 ($482), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around L2,555 ($144) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to L19,715 ($1,114) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately L15,205 ($859) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Chisinau is L10,355 ($585). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least L11,099 ($627) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chisinau expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated L8,538 ($482) per month in Chisinau including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Moldova.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Chisinau?
A net salary of around L11,099 ($627) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Chisinau with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Chisinau is L10,355 ($585).
How much is rent in Chisinau?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated L3,673 ($208) per month in the city centre and L2,555 ($144) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about L7,666 ($433).
Is Chisinau cheaper than Moldova on average?
No — Chisinau is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Moldova average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Chisinau?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at L2,034 ($115) in Chisinau. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about L90 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around L27 ($2).
How do transport costs in Chisinau compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Chisinau is estimated at L329 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Chisinau are estimates based on Moldova national averages adjusted for city size (population 567,038) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.