Cost of Living: London vs Moscow (2026)
United Kingdom vs Russia — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 50% cheaper in Moscow ($1499/mo vs $3000/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Moscow (22°C vs 22°C).
- •London is safer by homicide rate (1.1 vs 7.8 per 100k).
- •London scores higher on democracy (8.3 vs 2.2 / 10 EIU).
- •English is easier to get by in London (96/100 vs 22/100 English proficiency).
London vs Moscow — Common Questions
Is London cheaper than Moscow?▾
Moscow is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1499/month in Moscow vs $3000/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, London or Moscow?▾
London is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. London has a rate of 1.07 per 100,000 and Moscow has 7.82 per 100,000.
Should I move to London or Moscow?▾
London scores 58 to Moscow's 39 on livability — the gap is real. Moscow has its charms, but the numbers favor London. 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 London or Moscow?▾
London: UK Skilled Worker Visa (complex process, Up to 5 years). Moscow: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in London or Moscow without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in London (EF EPI score: 96/100) than in Moscow (22/100). In London, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Moscow, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.
Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.
Related comparisons