Russia: cost of living

What is Russia's core inflation?

Russia's core consumer prices rose 0.48% in September 2026 from August, seasonally adjusted, according to the Bank of Russia's seasonally adjusted price data, which are based on Rosstat figures. The same rise was recorded in August, after 0.55% in July.

Core inflation excludes volatile items such as fruit, vegetables and fuel. The bank said in September that annualised core inflation rose to 7.0% in July from 4.6% in the second quarter, and that annual inflation was 6.3% on 7 September. Monthly figures are shown as a percentage change from the previous month, not from a year earlier.

Official sources: Bank of Russia: Seasonally adjusted consumer price growth · Bank of Russia: Key rate decision, 11 September 2026

Are petrol prices rising in Russia?

Prices of petroleum products for consumers in Russia rose 1.04% in September 2026 from August, seasonally adjusted, according to the Bank of Russia's seasonally adjusted price data. They rose 0.94% in August and 3.57% in July.

The Bank of Russia said in its decision of 11 September 2026 that motor fuel prices had a considerable effect on price dynamics in recent months, linked to a temporary reduction in production capacity in some sectors. The figures are month-on-month changes, so several months of rises add up over the year.

Official sources: Bank of Russia: Seasonally adjusted consumer price growth · Bank of Russia: Key rate decision, 11 September 2026

Are food prices rising in Russia?

Food prices in Russia rose 0.43% in September 2026 from August, seasonally adjusted, according to the Bank of Russia's seasonally adjusted price data. They rose 0.85% in August and 1.04% in July.

In September, egg prices rose 4.18% and fish and seafood 1.80%, while sugar fell 0.79% after rises of 6.93% in July and 5.52% in August. Fruit and vegetable prices fell 0.14% after rising almost 3% a month in July and August. Seasonal adjustment removes regular patterns, such as cheaper vegetables in late summer.

Official sources: Bank of Russia: Seasonally adjusted consumer price growth

What inflation does the Bank of Russia expect?

The Bank of Russia expects annual inflation of 6.0–7.0% in December 2026 and a return to its 4.0% target in 2027, according to its key rate decision of 11 September 2026. The key rate was kept at 14.00%.

The bank estimates underlying price growth at 5–6% in annualised terms and says pro-inflationary risks prevail. Its July forecast puts average inflation at 5.9–6.2% in 2026, after 8.7% in 2025. The next key rate meeting is on 23 October 2026, when a new forecast will be published.

Official sources: Bank of Russia: Key rate decision, 11 September 2026 · Bank of Russia: Medium-term forecast, July 2026

Are utility bills rising in Russia?

Utility prices in Russia rose 0.32% in September 2026 from August, seasonally adjusted, according to the Bank of Russia's seasonally adjusted price data. They rose 0.29% in August and 0.31% in July.

Seasonal adjustment removes regular patterns in the timing of price changes. Services as a whole rose 0.71% in September and communications goods 3.51%. The data are calculated by the Bank of Russia from Rosstat's consumer price index.

Official sources: Bank of Russia: Seasonally adjusted consumer price growth

What is the inflation rate in Russia?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 8.7%. The peak was 15.5% in 2015 and the low 2.9% in 2018. It is 5th highest of 48 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 3.7%. Of 165 countries with 2025 data, 20th highest.

What is household spending per person in Russia?

In 2025, household consumption per person in Russia was $6,541, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: $11,266; Russia is 33rd highest of 44. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 48th highest.

What is the extreme poverty rate in Russia?

0.1%: that is the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Russia for 2023, according to the World Bank. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 25th highest of 34 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.4%. Worldwide: 49th of 59.

How many people in Russia are poor?

The World Bank puts the share of people below the national poverty line in Russia at 7.2% in 2024. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 15.8%, and Russia placed 12th highest of 14. Of 31 countries with 2024 data, 29th highest.

What is income inequality in Russia?

In 2023, the Gini index in Russia was 33.0, according to the World Bank. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 31.5, and Russia placed 14th highest of 34. Of 59 countries with 2023 data, 35th highest.

How many people in Russia face food insecurity?

2.6%: that is moderate or severe food insecurity in Russia for 2024, according to the FAO. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2015. Europe & Central Asia median: 7.6%; Russia is 39th highest of 45. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 129th highest.