Pros and Cons of Living in Ukraine
Last updated on Aug 06, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Ukraine include its rich cultural heritage, its vibrant cities, its affordable cost of living, and its beautiful landscapes. On the other hand, the cons of living in Ukraine include its political instability, its weak economy, its poor infrastructure, and its high levels of corruption.
What are the pros and cons of living in Ukraine?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Ukraine responded:
"I like the neighborhood I live in for there is everything you need or possiblly think of. And in summer time you can go to a lake, one by walking, the other using a trolley or bus with a few stops and then some walking. It's all great. Public transportation is great too," remarked one expat in Kiev.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Ukraine, as well as the vibrant culture and friendly people. They also enjoy the country's rich history and the many opportunities to explore the outdoors. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and bureaucracy to be challenging. Additionally, the infrastructure in some parts of the country can be lacking, making it difficult to access certain services," explained one expat living in Ukraine.

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What do expats in Ukraine appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Ukraine appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional music, art, and literature. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Ukrainian people, who are known for their friendliness and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque villages. Finally, expats enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Ukraine's cities, with their lively bars, clubs, and restaurants," said a person living in Ukraine.
"They are all very supportive of each other, and you if you will participate. And now that I am running low on cash, sans SSDI, they are trying to help some. And they all know not to trust the government, and that the police are actually crooks. In America, most people still actually think the cops are the ' Bgood guys'," explained one expat living in Mogliv-Podilskyi.

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What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Ukraine often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the lack of familiarity with the local customs and traditions can be difficult to navigate. Furthermore, the bureaucracy and paperwork associated with living in Ukraine can be overwhelming for expats. Finally, the cost of living in Ukraine can be higher than in other countries, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy," said one expat in Ukraine.
"Courting a woman to marry, and not just for her to get 'stuff' from you. Be vewy vewy cawful," said a person living in Mogliv-Podilskyi.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Ukraine?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Ukraine?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Ukraine?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Ukraine accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Ukraine like?
- Is the cost of living in Ukraine high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ukraine?
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- What type of recreational facilities are in Ukraine?
- What is the weather like in Ukraine?
- Are there good restaurants in Ukraine?
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- What do I need to know when buying property in Ukraine?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Ukraine?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?