The Russian currency is the Ruble (RUB), made up of 100 kopeks.

Banknotes come in denominations of RUB 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 10, while coins come in denominations of RUB 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 kopeks.

As at May 2006, 10 Russian Rubles were equivalent to US$0.37, EUR0.29 and GBP0.20.

The cost of living is high in Russia, and a number of surveys have identified Moscow as being Europe's most expensive city. Even in remote cities such as Vladivostok, the cost of living is among the highest in Russia.

However, it is possible to live cheaply in Russia depending on your lifestyle - many local people survive on salaries below US$300 per month in Moscow. Housing is expensive, but local groceries, public transport costs, petrol, books and some other items are relatively cheap.

Typical costs (in US$) include:

Meal in high quality restaurant up to $100 per person
Loaf of bread $0.35
Litre of milk $0.80
10 eggs $0.65
Kilo of potatoes $0.50
1 fresh chicken $2.50
Bottle of vodka $2.80
Metro pass - $0.35
Cinema ticket $10.00