Moscow food prices surpass New York City despite lower wages
The prices of some basic food products in Moscow have exceeded those found in New York City stores, according to findings by the Russian independent portal Mozhem Obyasnit.
What do you need to know?
- Price comparison: The independent Russian service Mozhem Obyasnit compared the prices of products in Moscow's Auchan and New York City's Walmart, using the exchange rate from April 10.
- Higher prices in Moscow: Products such as milk, cheddar cheese, frozen trout fillet, and tomatoes are more expensive in Moscow than in New York City.
- Income differences: Residents of New York City earn significantly more than residents of Moscow. On average, it's about $6,548 per month in NYC compared to $1,378 in Moscow (data for 2024).
Why are prices in Moscow higher than in New York City?
The independent Russian service Mozhem Obyasnit noted that more than three years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the imposition of international sanctions, the prices of certain basic food products in Moscow have surpassed those in New York City.
A 34 fl oz. milk costs $1.08 in Moscow, whereas in New York City it's $0.99. Similarly, cheddar cheese costs $2.5 for 7 oz in Moscow, while in New York City, it's $2.3 for 8 oz.
An American earns up to four times more
In New York City, despite higher earnings, some food products remain cheaper than in Moscow. A frozen trout fillet costs $11.7 in Moscow and $10.9 at Walmart. Tomatoes in Moscow cost at least $4.19 per 35 oz, while at Walmart they cost $2.2.
The differences are even more significant considering that, on average, a resident of New York City earns about 4.75 times more than a resident of Moscow. This amounts to an average of about $6,548 per month for a NYC resident and around $1,378 for a Moscow resident (data for 2024).
