Living Expenses

Money and Currency

The national currency in Ukraine is Hryvnia. 1 USD ≈ 40 Hryvnia

400-600 USD (without rent) will be enough for comfortable living in Kyiv for a month

Accommodation

The International Academy of Ecology and Medicine provides its students with dormitories and information about the best renting options in Kyiv city if needed. The cost of a room will range from 40 USD to 100 USD a month. As a rule, students live together (2-3 people in the room) in the separated rooms and share the bathrooms and kitchen. The living rooms are equipped with all the necessary furniture, but if you need some extra electronic devices you can always ask for it or buy it yourself.

There is also an opportunity to live in a rented apartment with your university classmates or on your own. The price of an apartment is determined by the condition of the apartment, its furnishings, as well as the district where it is located. A small and comfortable flat in the city center costs about 300-500 USD a month, and the same flat outside the city center costs about 200-400 USD a month. If you are interested in the bigger apartment with 3 bedrooms in the city center, this one costs about 500-1000 USD a month. The same one outside of the city center will cost you 400-800 USD a month. It is more accessible and cheaper to rent an apartment with a group of students or friends.

Transportation

One of the permanent payments are public transport and taxi, there are a lot of ways of transportation, such as the subway, mini-busses, trolley, and taxi. The prices are not really different, that is why a one-way ticket costs 0.15-0.17 USD. Taxi usually costs 3-4 USD for a drive. You can also buy a monthly pass for 7-9 dollars and use public transport for free for a month.

Food

Ukraine is an agricultural country with a rich culinary heritage. You will learn a lot of fascinating and delicious recipes if you are passionate about cooking. There is an option to order pizza or fast food if you are not into homemade meals. You can also buy food in the market or in stores and cook it at home. We recommend our students do it because it is both economically and enjoyable.

• Milk (regular), (1 liter): 0.73-1.44 USD;
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g): 0.49-1.00 USD;
• Rice (white), (1kg): 0.97-2.41 USD;
• Eggs (regular) (12): 0.88-2.05 USD;
• Local Cheese (1kg): 6.09-12.19 USD;
• Chicken Fillets (1kg): 3.05-4.87 USD;
• Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat): 4.39-8.53 USD;
• Apples (1kg): 0.44-0.97 USD;
• Banana (1kg): 0.85-1.83 USD;
• Oranges (1kg): 1.10-2.19 USD;
• Tomato (1kg): 0.73-2.92 USD;
• Potato (1kg): 0.22-0.97 USD;
• Onion (1kg): 0.24-1.46 USD;
• Lettuce (1 head): 0.49-1.95 USD;
• Water (1.5-liter bottle): 0.37-0.73 USD;

Remember to visit restaurants or local snack bars to try Ukrainian cuisine, you will certainly love it!

Clothing and Footwear

Ukrainian shopping centers and malls are full of both local and worldwide famous clothing stores and brands, such as Zara, NewYorker, H&M, and Bershka, which is why you will always find stylish and comfortable things to wear. Prices are affordable and rather low:

• Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar): 20-100 USD;
• Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …): 15-70 USD;
• Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range): 40-120 USD;
• Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes: 40-150 USD;

Internet and Cellular Communication

The necessary monthly spendings are usually internet and mobile traffic. Mobile internet or Wi-FI  (unlimited) will cost you 4 USD per month. Mobile package – 2 USD per month (includes 5 GB Data, 1000 local minutes, 600 texts).