Viewing topic: Accommodation in Moscow

In which parts of the city do teachers find themselves living?

I've read that it's still possible to find a nice flat in a good area for 300USD, but they're right at the end of the Metro lines (and some!). Is this still true? The article did say though that it's vital for a Russian to make the initial approach to the landlord to stand any chance of getting somewhere affordable.

Thanks,

Jonathan.

True...it's much cheaper to directly deal with the landlord.

$300/month? I highly doubt that.

I know one person in Saint Petersburg that has that kind of rent...but he's had it for years and does lots of favors for the owner.

My rent started at that here...but not is about twice that.

Moscow is, of course,...more expensive.

Oh dear, so I'll be looking at about $800 then?

As the Dollar has fallen against the Ruble, have the rates of pay increased recently and how much can one expect per 45min teaching hour now?

Im paying about $340 in St. Pete for a room (my own) in the center. Not a comunal flat, I live with 2 roommates. We share a bathroom, kitchen, and shower. A furnished studio is about $500. Moscow's probably about 10-30% more expensive.

Whatever you do, don't trust the real estate agents. They's double or triple the price once they know you're a foregner. The trick is to buy a local paper with real estate listings or the real estate magazine and have a local make the phone call. Have them get the price and then go and look at the place. You'll need to look at about 5-10 places before you get a good deal. Also, put up advertisements at places where students and ex-pats hang out at.

Also, don't pay any attention to ex-pats who don't speak Russian. They don't know what's going on around them, and are constantly getting ripped off.

I agree with Tim.

My girlfriend got our flat...got a great deal in the most expensive part of the city...and from the people who directly own the flat. (They were actually more happy that I was American...it meant that I would pay on time. I've been here for over 2 years now--with slight raise in rent.

I know Robert (Bobs12) also got a great deal on his flat. He also went through the owner. He keeps his low with do-it-yourself projects....very low for a large flat.

Thanks for the replies. From the info. I got when I was in Moscow over Christmas, I'd be looking at about $800/month for a 1 room flat. Also, teachers on FT contracts are encouraged to share, in order to lower the overall cost of accommodation to the schools.

I was also told that there's to be a crackdown on landlords who aren't paying tax on the income they receive, meaning that rents'll rise to cover this extra cost!