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Cost of Living: Bologna vs Moscow (2026)

Italy vs Russia — relocation comparison

TL;DRBologna is 25% cheaper on rent ($1130/mo vs $1499/mo). Bologna is safer — homicide rate 0.6 vs 7.8 per 100k. Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
68
Livability Score
🇮🇹 Bologna
Italy
Full profile
42
Livability Score
🇷🇺 Moscow
Russia
Full profile
Bologna scores 68 to Moscow's 42 on livability — the gap is real. Moscow has its charms, but the numbers favor Bologna.
💰
Cost of Living
Bologna
$369/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Bologna
0.6 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Bologna
7.6/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
31°C vs 22°C summers
🗣️
English
Moscow
higher proficiency score
Bologna
Metric
Moscow
$1130/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1499/mo
$724/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$533/mo
0.6 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
7.8 / 100k
31°C
☀️
Summer high
22°C
2°C
❄️
Winter low
-9°C
15 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
30 μg/m³
7.6 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
2.2 / 10
29/100
🗣️
Street English
32/100
$62k
💼
GDP per capita
$47k
1.0% · Practically frozen
📈
Inflation
8.4% · Noticeable price creep
68 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
42 / 100

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
declining
Impatriati Regime, Regime Forfettario, New Residents Flat Tax, 7% Retiree Flat Tax
Tax breaks

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 25% cheaper in Bologna ($1130/mo vs $1499/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are dramatically warmer in Bologna (31°C vs 22°C).
  • Bologna is safer by homicide rate (0.6 vs 7.8 per 100k).
  • Bologna scores higher on democracy (7.6 vs 2.2 / 10 EIU).

Bologna vs Moscow — Common Questions

Is Bologna cheaper than Moscow?

Bologna is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1130/month in Bologna vs $1499/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Bologna or Moscow?

Bologna is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Bologna has a rate of 0.57 per 100,000 and Moscow has 7.82 per 100,000.

Should I move to Bologna or Moscow?

Bologna scores 68 to Moscow's 42 on livability — the gap is real. Moscow has its charms, but the numbers favor Bologna. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Bologna or Moscow?

Bologna: no specific remote work visa. Moscow: Russia HQS Work Permit (ВКС) (moderate requirements, Up to 3 years (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Bologna or Moscow?

Bologna is warmer in summer (31°C vs 22°C). Moscow has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.