Cost of Living in Moldova (2026)

COL Index: 35.7% of U.S. national average · Updated for 2026

Cost of Living Index

35.7%

vs U.S. average (100%)

Relative Cost

Very Low

Compared to U.S.

Currency

MDL

Salary Data

10 Jobs

Top 10 highest paying

Top 10 Jobs in Moldova — COL-Adjusted Salaries

Rank	Job Title	Local Salary	COL-Adjusted (MDL)
1	Surgeons / Doctors	73,229–239,520 MDL/mo	205,128–670,930 MDL/mo
2	Judges	61,533–201,380 MDL/mo	172,357–564,098 MDL/mo
3	Lawyers	49,836–163,239 MDL/mo	139,603–457,248 MDL/mo
4	Bank Managers	46,938–153,577 MDL/mo	131,472–430,179 MDL/mo
5	Chief Executive Officers	43,988–143,915 MDL/mo	123,218–403,128 MDL/mo
6	Chief Financial Officers	41,039–134,253 MDL/mo	114,963–376,059 MDL/mo
7	Orthodontists	39,564–129,676 MDL/mo	110,827–363,246 MDL/mo
8	College Professors	35,191–114,929 MDL/mo	98,578–321,922 MDL/mo
9	Pilots	29,342–96,113 MDL/mo	82,192–269,227 MDL/mo
10	Marketing Directors	26,393–86,451 MDL/mo	73,938–242,158 MDL/mo

* COL-adjusted salary is shown in MDL, restated at the purchasing power implied by the cost of living index for Moldova.

Salary vs. Cost of Living by Category in Moldova

Category	Avg. Salary (Local)	COL-Adjusted (MDL)	Purchasing Power
AI & Machine Learning	70,483 MDL	197,437 MDL	+180%
Finance & Accounting	69,669 MDL	195,149 MDL	+180%
Business Administration	77,653 MDL	217,518 MDL	+180%
Advertising	59,021 MDL	165,317 MDL	+180%
Architecture	59,880 MDL	167,728 MDL	+180%
Automotive & Car Industry	57,734 MDL	161,726 MDL	+180%
Aviation	71,093 MDL	199,144 MDL	+180%
Banking	83,501 MDL	233,904 MDL	+180%
Construction	57,134 MDL	160,037 MDL	+180%
Counseling	56,910 MDL	159,403 MDL	+180%
Customer Service	45,763 MDL	128,181 MDL	+180%
Education & Teaching	59,763 MDL	167,411 MDL	+180%
Energy	64,940 MDL	181,896 MDL	+180%
Engineering	54,510 MDL	152,680 MDL	+180%
Manufacturing	62,295 MDL	174,504 MDL	+180%
Fitness & Sports	41,441 MDL	116,072 MDL	+180%
Hospitality	59,265 MDL	166,003 MDL	+180%
Healthcare	154,239 MDL	432,045 MDL	+180%
Human Resources	57,586 MDL	161,304 MDL	+180%
Import & Export	44,741 MDL	125,330 MDL	+180%
Insurance	64,787 MDL	181,474 MDL	+180%
Information Technology	58,685 MDL	164,384 MDL	+180%
Law & Legal Services	90,926 MDL	254,690 MDL	+180%
Marketing	63,872 MDL	178,922 MDL	+180%
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology	82,281 MDL	230,472 MDL	+180%
Public Relations	53,498 MDL	149,846 MDL	+180%
Procurement	59,087 MDL	165,510 MDL	+180%
Quality Control	51,870 MDL	145,288 MDL	+180%
Real Estate	68,703 MDL	192,438 MDL	+180%
Sales	69,618 MDL	195,008 MDL	+180%
Telecommunications	51,779 MDL	145,042 MDL	+180%

Cost of Living in Moldova — Overview

The cost of living in Moldova is 35.7% of the U.S. national average. This makes Moldova a more affordable destination compared to the United States. Your salary goes further here, especially for housing, food, and services.

Purchasing Power in Moldova

A salary with the purchasing power of the U.S. national average works out at approximately 4,929,971 MDL in Moldova for the same standard of living. This means your money goes further in Moldova, making it an attractive destination for remote workers and expats.

Cost of Living Categories in Moldova

Housing

Housing in countries with a cost index of 35.7% tends to be the largest expense, often consuming 30-40% of income. Rent, utilities, and property costs vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

Food

Groceries and dining out in countries at 35.7% COL can vary widely. Local markets offer lower prices while imported goods cost more. Cooking at home is generally more affordable.

Transportation

Public transit and fuel costs in a 35.7% COL country. Many countries have efficient public transportation systems that reduce the need for personal vehicles.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs and insurance in 35.7% COL countries. Some countries have universal healthcare systems that significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Education

Education and childcare costs vary greatly with COL index. Public education is often subsidized while international schools charge premium fees.

Utilities

Electricity, water, internet, and other essential services. Weather patterns affect utility usage and costs significantly.

Clothing

Apparel costs in 35.7% COL environments. Imported brands cost more while local clothing is generally affordable.

Entertainment

Leisure activities and entertainment expenses. Costs for cinema, dining, and recreational activities scale with the overall COL index.

Salary Overview — Top 10 Jobs

Monthly salary in MDL · singhyogendra.com.np

Surgeons / Doctors73,229 – 239,520156,375 MDL
Judges61,533 – 201,380131,457 MDL
Lawyers49,836 – 163,239106,538 MDL
Bank Managers46,938 – 153,577100,258 MDL
Chief Executive Officers43,988 – 143,91593,952 MDL
Chief Financial Officers41,039 – 134,25387,646 MDL
Orthodontists39,564 – 129,67684,620 MDL
College Professors35,191 – 114,92975,060 MDL
Pilots29,342 – 96,11362,728 MDL
Marketing Directors26,393 – 86,45156,422 MDL

singhyogendra.com.np

Top Paying Jobs in Moldova

See the full list of highest paying careers and salaries in Moldova.

Best Paying Jobs in Moldova

Take-Home Pay in Moldova

Estimate your after-tax salary and see how much you keep after deductions in Moldova.

Take-Home Pay in Moldova

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Moldova?

The cost of living in Moldova is 35.7% of the U.S. national average. This means it is less expensive than living in the average U.S. city.

How is the cost of living in Moldova calculated?

The cost of living index is based on prices for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other goods and services compared to the U.S. national average of 100.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Moldova?

Salaries in Moldova should be adjusted by the cost of living index to keep the same purchasing power. A salary equivalent to the U.S. national average corresponds to roughly 4,929,971 MDL in Moldova.