How much does it cost to prepare a child for school in 2025?

Briefcases and backpacks have risen in price the most

The average cost of families to prepare a child for school in 2025 was 52 thousand rubles, according to a survey by VTsIOM. This is 18% more than in 2024 and 88% more than in 2020. Moreover, according to Rosstat, inflation in Russia in 2024 was 9.5%.

“Layout” explains what this amount is made up of and why the cost of preparing a child for school is growing faster than inflation.

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How school preparation costs have increased in Russia

School expenses in 2025 have increased in all areas, notes VTsIOM, but 70% of them are on clothes and school bags. A school wardrobe, as calculated by a sociological agency, cost Russians this year an average of 30 thousand rubles, which is 4.5 thousand more than a year ago (18%). A backpack or briefcase immediately increased in price by 50% - to almost 7 thousand rubles.

The purchase of textbooks and workbooks cost families an average of more than 7 thousand rubles, although by law they must be issued by schools free of charge.

You will have to spend more than 5 thousand on the office. Spending on gifts and flowers for teachers increased by 21% over the year by September 1 - up to 3.4 thousand. These expenses can technically be avoided, for example, by refusing to buy workbooks or gifts for teachers. In practice, most parents try not to do this to avoid putting pressure on their children.

Outside of average estimates, prices may vary significantly. In St. Petersburg, stationery will cost a student 2.5 thousand rubles, Fontanka estimated , in Samara - 3-5 thousand, reports the local State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, in Kaliningrad - 3 thousand, estimated the local Komsomolskaya Pravda.

In 2024, a survey by the Superjob website showed that up to 9% of site users were going to take out loans to prepare for school. In 2025 there were 5% of them.

What expenses are not taken into account in the VTsIOM survey and how do they increase the total bill?

School statistics do not take into account electronics - phones and computers. Although their use is not mandatory, in real life most parents try to buy them for schoolchildren.

Smartphones in Russia have risen in price by 10% in the first six months alone, Mobile Research Group has calculated, including due to sanctions and logistics problems; computers have fallen slightly in price due to overstocking of warehouses.

Purchasing gadgets in St. Petersburg increases the cost of collection by 83 thousand, Fontanka has calculated. These expenses are reduced through the use of old equipment and the purchase of used copies or are divided through consumer loans. Izvestia notes that the rise in prices for smartphones affected primarily premium models; in the budget segment, spending may remain at last year’s level.

What are the requirements for school uniforms in Russia and when will they become mandatory?

On July 1, 2025, a new national standard for school uniforms came into force in Russia. This did not make it mandatory - schools still decide for themselves whether they need standardized clothing or not.

But if a school does introduce a uniform, from July it must comply with GOST standards. The standard divides school uniforms into casual and dress uniforms. Shirts, blouses, jackets, vests, trousers, skirts, sundresses and cardigans are worn daily. A light blouse or shirt, tie, headdress and accessories can be added to the front door.

Fabrics should be predominantly natural, accessories should not contain sharp elements. School uniforms must be secular, aesthetic, and “should not contain symbols of asocial informal youth associations,” says the standard. But GOST recommends placing state and patriotic symbols on clothing.

Let us remind you that earlier “Verstka” reported that Russian schoolchildren are en masse enrolling in the new pioneers: what is the “Movement of the First” , is it worth joining it and how to get out of it? We also told you that starting from this academic year, “ Conversations about Important Things ” will begin to be held not only in schools, but also in kindergartens in Russia.

Illustration: “Layout”

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