Izhevsk leads the list of Russian cities where moving from a one-room apartment to a two-room home is the most affordable. Analysts from Avito Nedvizhimost highlighted that Izhevsk offers the chance to upgrade living space with a so-called tiny to two-room transition for about 680 thousand rubles, making it a standout option for homeowners looking to improve their housing conditions without a hefty price tag.
In the broader ranking, Volgograd, Tula, and Bryansk share the second spot. For residents in these cities, the price difference when upgrading stays around 800 thousand rubles, reflecting a similar pattern of cost efficiency across mid-size urban centers. Kirov follows closely, where the delta to move into a two-room configuration amounts to roughly 810 thousand rubles, signaling that several regional cities present favorable economics for family-sized space without the premium often charged in mega-cities.
The most dramatic price premium appears in Moscow, where upgrading to a two-room apartment can reach about 4.65 million rubles. This figure exceeds the national average and dwarfs the typical costs seen in many other cities, underscoring the capital’s well-known real estate disparity. Sochi, after Moscow, records a substantial uplift of around 3.21 million rubles for an additional room, illustrating how coastal resort demand can reshape local price dynamics even for simple space upgrades.
The Hoff furniture retailer study conducted in early December adds another layer to the housing picture. It reveals that a majority of Russians who buy their own homes move into unfinished spaces, with about 58% settling into homes that lack completed interior finishing. An additional 31% report purchasing all furniture and appliances after moving in, while the remainder move into a finished residence. These patterns suggest that buyers weigh construction timelines, budget constraints, and the timing of furnishings as part of the overall cost of moving. Analysts note that the decision to finish interiors post-macroeconomic shifts often aligns with personal liquidity and staged investment in the home, rather than a single upfront purchase. (Source: Avito Nedvizhimost; Hoff study, December release)
Taken together, the data paint a nuanced picture of how space upgrades from a one-bedroom to a two-bedroom can vary dramatically by city and by the level of pre-existing finish. In Izhevsk, converting a one-room unit into a two-room home is presented as a practical, budget-conscious choice with a clear affordability edge relative to the largest metropolitan centers. The figures for Volgograd, Tula, Bryansk, and Kirov reinforce the notion that many regional markets offer meaningful opportunities for families seeking additional space without incurring the steep price tags associated with Moscow or the more glamorous coastal destinations. In the conversation about modern living in Russia, these cost differentials matter—and they shape decisions about when and where to upgrade living space, how to time purchases, and what kinds of interior improvements to pursue as part of the moving process.