Capital city in Chisinau, Moldova
Cost of living in Chișinău
How much a month costs in Chișinău
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $1,010–1,570 (L18,000–28,000).
Prices in Chișinău
Typical 2026 ranges in MDL, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | MDL | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | L7,000–13,000 | $394–731 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | L4,500–8,000 | $253–450 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | L200–400 | $11–22 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | L700–1,500 | $39–84 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | L80–150 | $4.5–8.4 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | L250–500 | $14–28 |
| Cappuccino | L40–70 | $2.2–3.9 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | L40–70 | $2.2–3.9 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | L6–8 | $0.34–0.45 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | L50–90 | $2.8–5.1 |
| Work and life | ||
| Gym membership (month) | L500–1,000 | $28–56 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | L150–300 | $8.4–16.9 |
Value for money: 77/100
A value score of 77/100 means Chișinău gives more quality of life per dollar than 76% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 66/100.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cheaper alternatives to Chișinău
Similar safety, lower cost, in Europe.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Ohrid | North Macedonia | $829–1,290 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Chișinău?
About $506–787 on a lean budget, $1,010–1,570 for a comfortable month and $2,250–3,940 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Chișinău?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs L7,000–13,000 ($394–731) a month in the center and L4,500–8,000 ($253–450) outside it.
How much does food cost in Chișinău?
A local meal is L80–150 ($4.5–8.4); a mid-range restaurant is L250–500 ($14–28) per person.
Is Moldova expensive?
Prices in Moldova are about 43% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Chișinău
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Chișinău International Airport
- Border Police of Moldova
- UK FCDO travel advice: Moldova
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.