Murmansk Residents Share Monthly Food Expenses, Hunt for Discounts

The year 2026 has arrived, and prices continue to rise — for utilities, services, entertainment, and, of course, food. Residents of Murmansk shared how much money goes towards groceries each month, discussing their purchases, habits, and ways to save.

Victor:

In December, I spent about 27,000 rubles (approximately $270 at current rates) on groceries. I buy alcohol, dairy, try to cook myself, often get meat — chicken breasts, beef, pork. But I buy few vegetables and fruits.

Alina Kostina:

Honestly, my husband and I don«t really keep track of how much we spend on food. We buy groceries as needed. Approximately per month, we spend 20,000–25,000 rubles (about $200–$250 at current rates) on food. We like to treat ourselves to sweets and often get takeout.

Maria:

I am extremely financially illiterate. I don«t know how to save and don»t track expenses. Moreover, I always love to eat something tasty. And I prefer a different menu every day. Cooking soups and main dishes for the week — that«s not for me. What»s more, my son is a professional sweet-destroying machine; a lot of money goes on treats. So, to sum up, we spend a lot of money on food.

Mikhail:

I can say for sure: 25,000 rubles (about $250 at current rates), plus or minus 2,000 rubles. I have to be on dietary products due to illness.

Alexandra:

We are a family of 3. We do big shopping a couple of times a month, each time it costs about 15,000–16,000 rubles (approximately $150–$160 at current rates). And for small things during the month — about 10,000 rubles (around $100 at current rates).

Ekaterina:

I eat little, cook rarely, live alone. Per month, I spend about 10,000–15,000 rubles (roughly $100–$150 at current rates), I think. Standard set: meat or fish, side dishes, vegetables and fruits, dairy. I usually catch various promotions, discounts, but I can«t say that I save a great deal.

Olga and Sergei (family with dog):

We are a family of three, with a dog that also loves treats. On average, we spend 28,000–30,000 rubles (about $280–$300 at current rates) on food. Dog food and treats add a couple thousand to the usual expenses. We try to buy meat, vegetables, dairy, and sometimes indulge in takeout from restaurants.

Igor:

I love to cook myself and experiment with recipes. Per month, it costs about 20,000–24,000 rubles (approximately $200–$240 at current rates). Most often, I buy meat, fish, spices, vegetables, and exotic products for dishes. Sometimes I get something sweet, but rarely.

Natalia:

With a small child and husband, I spend about 25,000–27,000 rubles (around $250–$270 at current rates). We get groceries for the week and a bit for each day. Lots of dairy products, fruits, vegetables, baby food. About four times a month, we order pizza or sushi.