Cost of Living in Moldova
for Expats 2026

A one-bedroom apartment in central Chișinău rents for $150–$250 monthly, while a three-bedroom costs $250–$400. Outside the capital, expect 40–50% lower prices; Bălți and smaller towns offer quality housing for $80–$150. Furnished apartments for short-term expats range $200–$300. The property market remains affordable even for purchase: $600–$1,000 per square meter in urban areas, significantly lower than neighboring Romania or Bulgaria.

Local groceries are remarkably cheap: a weekly shop for one person costs $15–$25 at farmers markets and supermarkets. Imported goods carry a modest premium. Eating out at local restaurants runs $3–$6 per meal; mid-range restaurants $8–$15. Monthly food budget for one person: $120–$180 eating mostly local, or $200–$250 mixing imported items.

Public transport monthly pass in Chișinău costs just $8–$10 for unlimited buses and trolleys. Taxis are affordable at $0.30–$0.50 per kilometer. Car ownership requires modest insurance and fuel (~$1.10 per liter). Inter-city minibus (marshrutka) travel is extremely cheap: Chișinău to Bălți costs $2–$3.

Moldova has a mixed public and private healthcare system. Public healthcare is free for residents, though quality varies; private clinics offer better standards for $20–$50 per GP visit. A dental cleaning costs $15–$30; more complex work is 60–70% cheaper than Western Europe. International health insurance for expats runs $300–$600 annually.