Chisinau, Moldova
Editor
March 12, 2023
Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, is an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. With its low cost of living, excellent internet speeds, and vibrant culture, it is no wonder that more and more digital nomads are choosing to make Chisinau their home. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Chisinau is approximately 40% lower than in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. This makes it an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to stretch their budget. Additionally, the city boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, with an average download speed of over 100 Mbps. This makes it easy for digital nomads to stay connected and work remotely. Finally, Chisinau is a culturally rich city, with a variety of museums, galleries, and other attractions to explore. From the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History to the National Opera and Ballet Theater, there is something for everyone in Chisinau. With its low cost of living, fast internet speeds, and vibrant culture, Chisinau is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a new home.
Living in Chisinau, Moldova: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
70%
Quality of life -
23%
Cost of living -
82%
Connectivity -
77%
Weather
51
General
| Currency | MDL |
| Population (in millions) | 0.75 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 135 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% cheaper |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Botanica, Ciocana |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 30 |
| Top selling local beer | Chisinau Beer |
| Most popular local dish | Mamaliga |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | National Museum of History, Triumphal Arch, Nativity Cathedral |
| Discount airline | Wizz Air |
| Major airline | Air Moldova |
| Largest ride sharing company | Taxify |
| Primary train stations | Gara de Nord, Gara Basarab, Gara Ciuflea |
| Primary airports | Chisinau International Airport, Cahul International Airport, and Tiraspol International Airport |
| Best rental car company | Europcar |
| Used car costs | 15000 MDL |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | Strada Mitropolit Varlaam, nr. 59, Chisinau, Moldova |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 20 Mbps |
| Power socket type | C,E,F |
| Supply voltage | 220V |
| Best electronics store | Orange |
| Best internet carrier | Orange |
| Primary cellular carrier | Orange |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 150 MDL |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Catena |
| Best restaurant chain | La Placinte |
| The best grocery store | Mega Image |
| The most popular fashion brand | Mango |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $3,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $7000 |
| Sales tax rate | 20% |
| Income tax rate | 12% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 90 days |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 8.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 500 MDL |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Banca de Economii |
| Average tip in restaurant | 10-15% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 902 (general), 903 (police), 901 (ambulance), 904 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 845 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 83 |
| Main religion | Orthodox |
Quality of life
70%
-
56%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
95%
Property to income -
44%
Crime -
51%
Healthcare -
77%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | MDL 8,757 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 12.35% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | MDL 6,003 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | MDL 64,509 |
Cost of living
23%
-
Purchasing Power
36%
-
Rent
10%
-
Food
29%
-
Restaurant
29%
-
Workspace
64%
-
Transport
28%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | MDL 6,230.88 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | MDL 4,864.36 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | MDL 11,618.59 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | MDL 8,599.02 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | MDL 367.50 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | MDL 18.69 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | MDL 8.50 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | MDL 39.62 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | MDL 161.76 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | MDL 11.91 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | MDL 85.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | MDL 18.67 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | MDL 30.71 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | MDL 45.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | MDL 88.60 |
| Apples (1kg) | MDL 13.36 |
| Oranges (1kg) | MDL 26.95 |
| Potato (1kg) | MDL 11.20 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | MDL 24.90 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | MDL 26.40 |
| Tomato (1kg) | MDL 33.05 |
| Banana (1kg) | MDL 28.69 |
| Onion (1kg) | MDL 9.57 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | MDL 134.21 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | MDL 120.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | MDL 600.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | MDL 100.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | MDL 25.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | MDL 35.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | MDL 13.80 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | MDL 9.98 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | MDL 27.59 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | MDL 3,472.68 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | MDL 1.86 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | MDL 180.71 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | MDL 581.13 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | MDL 367.50 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | MDL 120.00 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | MDL 6.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | MDL 234.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | MDL 28.31 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | MDL 301,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | MDL 399,285.71 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | MDL 30.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | MDL 4.96 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | MDL 60.00 |
