Moscow food prices surpass NYC despite lower incomes
The prices of some basic food products in Moscow have surpassed those 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—for comparison, it's an average of about $6,548 (CAD 9,071) per month in NYC and $1,378 (CAD 1,909) in Moscow (data for 2024).
Why are prices in Moscow higher than in New York City?
The independent Russian service Mozhem Obyasnit pointed out that more than three years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the imposition of international sanctions, the prices of some basic food products in Moscow exceed those in New York City.
A litre of milk costs 1,5 Canadian dollars in Moscow, while in New York City it's 1,4 Canadian dollars. Similarly, cheddar cheese costs 3,48 Canadian dollars for 200 grams in Moscow, and in New York City, it's 3,21 Canadian dollars for 226 grams.
An American earns up to four times more
In New York City, despite higher average earnings, some food products are cheaper than in Moscow. A frozen trout fillet costs 16,32 Canadian dollars in Moscow, and 15,15 Canadian dollars at Walmart. Tomatoes in Moscow cost at least 5,83 Canadian dollars per 35 ounces, while at Walmart they are 3,1 Canadian dollars.
The differences are even more significant given that, on average, a resident of New York City earns about 4.75 times more than a resident of Moscow. On average, a NYC resident earns about $6,548 (CAD 9,071) per month in NYC and $1,378 (CAD 1,909) in Moscow (data for 2024).
