Utilities bills are very low in Russia. Expatriates report total bills for building maintenance, electricity, gas, water and telephone services of around US$40 per month.

In apartment blocks centralized heating is provided between autumn and spring for a small monthly fee. There are no apartment thermostats, temperature control is by opening and closing windows. It may be necessary to purchase a heater for winter, as it is unpredictable when the centralized heating will be turned on.

It is normal practice for water supplies to be turned off for a few weeks in the daytime in summer for maintenance.