Way to Russia Talk Lounge

DaHjo · Just Starting Joined: 22 Jul 2006 Posts: 9 Location: CT

I understand the cost of living would be LESS in Russia correct?

The exchange rate from US dollars to Russian Rubels looks rather inviting on first glance , without any first hand knowledge.

What does 1,000 dollars turn into over there in laymen terms?

Rick · Posted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 9:40 pm Post subject:

moved.

Zach10791 · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 816

1,000 US Dollars converts in to 26,870 Russian Rubles. Smile

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 612 Location: Moscow

Less than what?
As compared to where?
For what kind of standard of living?
Where in Russia? Murmansk, Moscow, or Suzdal?

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

1000USD is considered a good monthly salary in Moscow (a few hundred above entry-level for a qualified worker), and it's a dream for many people living outside Moscow, where many live on less than a couple of hundred a month.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

delete

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

Many people rely on others for housing, or sometimes the apartment/house has been inherited so they don't need to pay rent, real estate is horribly expensive these days. One can do without a car in a major city, shop for cheap groceries at markets, do without luxuries etc. My previous Russian teacher said 500USD/month was more than enough for him. Here you either live very cheaply or very lavishly, but fortunately there is a growing middle-class.

wwwadim · Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 10:45 pm Post subject:

Salaries in Russia rather differ.

Your wage as a professional hospital nurse (seniority 5+ years) in regional clinic (200 miles from Moscow) may be 80-120$/month or as a JAVA programmer (seniority 2+ years) in Moscow may be 2500-3000$/month after taxes.

Also cost of Living in Russia depends on place where you live. Cost of living at the Far East greater cost in European Russia in 5-10 times.

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

With Real Estate prices so high there, I don't really see a future for so many Russians.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

so how do ex pats make it/survive over there?

Ronin · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:33 am Post subject:

Well, in the corner of Russia that I'm aware of, housing prices have more than doubled in the last couple of years and there are more expensive cars about. Yet, at the same time the wages have not nearly kept up with this. For the average Russian, it was difficult making ends meet a few years ago. My wife marvels at how people make it now.

Ronin

blaked · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:21 pm Post subject:

You see, it all depends on whether or not you own a flat (or live with mom and dad, for that matter.) 1000 bucks a month is great if you don't have to pay rent - it means that basically all of that money can get spent on food clothes and entertainment. Granted, clothes are more expensive than in the US but it's ok to wear the same shirt 3 days in a row. Travel expenses cost almost nothing; people here are implying that you neeed a car. You don't need a car in Moscow if you live near the metro - a car is just a status symbol. Of course, if you live 15 minutes from the metro by bus and you don't want to stand outside in -20 C weather, a car is a necessity. I can do pretty well on about 700 USD a month here, but rental prices have shot through the roof recently. When I was first here in 2003 you could get an unrenovated 1-room flat 10 minutes from an outer metro station for 250 a month; an unrenovated 2 room flat in the center cost 600. Now you're looking at paying 400 for the 1 room outside the center and 900 for the 2 room inside the center. On the other hand, the premium you pay for renovation has slightly decreased.