How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Moscow? | Easy Russian 85

Easy Russian

9 Feb 202408:20

Summary

TLDRThe video script explores the financial realities of living in Moscow, with interviews revealing that a comfortable living wage ranges from 250,000 to 1,300,000 rubles annually. It delves into what Moscow residents consider necessities and luxuries, and how they would cut back if needed. Official statistics from Rosstat are mentioned, showing average salaries in Russia and Moscow, which are higher but still a point of contention. The video also touches on the high cost of living, particularly housing, and the aspirations of Muscovites, including the desire for travel and material possessions, all within the context of economic constraints.

Takeaways

💼 The average salary in Moscow is significantly higher than the national average, with 2022 figures suggesting around 120,000 RUB or 1,200 EUR, and 2023 estimates at 140,000 RUB or 1,400 EUR.
🏙️ Many Muscovites believe that a comfortable living wage in Moscow is around 25,000 to 30,000 RUB, while some suggest needing up to 13,000 EUR for a stable lifestyle.
💰 The script highlights the disparity between official statistics and the actual living conditions of residents, with some skepticism towards the optimism of Russian official data.
🏠 The high cost of living in Moscow, particularly housing, is a common concern, with the average price of an apartment starting from 100,000 EUR.
🛍️ People are willing to cut back on non-essentials like Apple products, coffee shops, and cabs to save money, indicating areas where Muscovites might adjust their spending.
💬 The script includes a range of opinions from residents on what they would sacrifice first if they had to economize, reflecting different lifestyles and priorities.
🌐 The desire to move to Moscow is driven by higher salaries and opportunities, but it also leads to a negative perception of Muscovites in other regions of Russia.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The script touches on the Soviet-era anecdote about the average, highlighting the difference between individual experiences and statistical averages.
🎓 The interviewees represent a variety of professions, from sales to television, indicating the diversity of the workforce in Moscow.
🌟 The video script also promotes educational materials and a discussion club for language learners, suggesting additional resources for those interested in Russian language and culture.

Q & A

What is the approximate average salary in Moscow according to the Russian statistics service?
-According to the Russian statistics service, the average salary in Moscow in 2022 was a little over 120,000 rubles, which is approximately 1,200 euros, and in 2023, it was 140,000 rubles or 1,400 euros.
What is the general perception of the cost of living in Moscow among the people interviewed in the script?
-The general perception is that to live comfortably in Moscow, one might need a salary of around 25,000 to 30,000 rubles, with some suggesting that 13,000 rubles could be enough to comfortably exist.
What are some of the items or services that people are willing to forgo to save money, as mentioned in the script?
-People might consider giving up luxury items like iPhones, eating out at cafes, taking taxis, and non-essential food items like sweets to save money.
What is the typical reaction of the interviewees when asked if they are satisfied with their income?
-The reactions vary, with some expressing satisfaction with their income, while others indicate they are not satisfied, and some are neutral, stating they are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
What is the significance of the phrase 'to live comfortably' in the context of the script?
-In the context of the script, 'to live comfortably' refers to having enough income to cover basic needs and some luxuries without financial stress, which is estimated to be around 25,000 to 30,000 rubles per month.
What are the official statistics regarding the average salary in Russia and Moscow for the years mentioned in the script?
-The official statistics from the Russian statistics service indicate that the average salary in Russia in 2022 was 65,000 rubles (approximately 650 euros), and in 2023, it was 70,000 rubles (approximately 700 euros). In Moscow, the average salary was over 120,000 rubles (over 1,200 euros) in 2022 and 140,000 rubles (1,400 euros) in 2023.
What is the general sentiment about the reliability of official Russian statistics as expressed in the script?
-The script expresses skepticism about the reliability of official Russian statistics, suggesting that they might be more optimistic than the actual situation.
What are some of the dreams or desires that people in Moscow have, as mentioned in the script?
-Some of the desires mentioned include owning property in Moscow, traveling more, buying a car, and purchasing a camera for a person who is an operator.
What is the significance of the quote from Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita' in the context of the script?
-The quote from Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita' about the housing issue reflects the ongoing struggle that many people face in affording housing in Moscow, which has become increasingly expensive.
What is the 'thirty-day Challenge' mentioned in the script, and how can people participate?
-The 'thirty-day Challenge' is an initiative by the creators of the script to engage with their audience, likely involving a series of tasks or activities over thirty days. People can participate by following the link in the video description and subscribing to their channel.
What additional benefits do the creators of the script offer to their paid subscribers?
-Paid subscribers are offered numerous educational materials, including video lessons and weekly podcasts, as well as access to a discussion club for literary discussions and additional materials for learning Russian.

Outlines

00:00

💵 Cost of Living in Moscow

This paragraph discusses the financial aspect of living in Moscow, Russia. It explores how much money is needed for a comfortable existence, with estimates ranging from 250,000 to 300,000 rubles per month. The speaker interviews people on the streets of Moscow to understand their satisfaction with their income and what they would sacrifice if they had to economize. The discussion includes cutting back on luxury items like Apple products, taxis, coffee, and non-essential food. The paragraph also touches on the official statistics from Rosstat, highlighting the average salary in Russia and Moscow, and how these figures influence people's desire to move to Moscow or the perception of Muscovites in other regions of Russia.

05:00

🏡 Aspirations and the Moscow Dream

The second paragraph delves into the aspirations of individuals, particularly in the context of Moscow. It mentions the traditional Russian goal of owning a home, raising a family, and planting a tree before turning 30, with a modern twist of affording an apartment in Moscow, which starts from 100,000 euros due to the high cost of living. The paragraph includes interviews with Muscovites about their dreams and what they would prioritize if they had to make financial adjustments, such as buying a camera or a car. It also mentions an upcoming discussion club for paid subscribers where literature will be a central theme, encouraging engagement with the Russian language through books and discussions.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Moscow

Moscow is the capital city of Russia and serves as the primary setting for the video script. It is a significant cultural, economic, and political center, which is why many Russians aspire to live there. The script explores the cost of living in Moscow, with interviewees discussing their salaries and what they consider a comfortable lifestyle. For example, one person mentions needing around 1,300 euros to live comfortably in Moscow.

💡Cost of Living

The cost of living refers to the amount of money needed to sustain a certain standard of life in a particular location. The video script delves into this concept by asking residents of Moscow about their monthly expenses and how much they believe is necessary to live comfortably. It is a central theme as it directly impacts the quality of life and the financial decisions of individuals.

💡Salary

A salary is the fixed regular earnings paid to an employee by an employer in return for services rendered. In the context of the video, salaries are discussed as a primary factor influencing one's ability to afford a comfortable life in Moscow. The script mentions official statistics from Russian authorities regarding average salaries, which are compared to the perceived needs of the residents.

💡Economy

The economy encompasses all economic activities and the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in a region. The script touches on the Russian economy by discussing the average salary and the cost of living, which are key indicators of economic health. It also implies the economic aspirations of individuals, such as owning property or affording certain luxuries.

💡Savings

Savings refer to the money left after income is used to pay for all expenses. The video script explores the concept of savings by asking people what they would do if they had to economize. It reflects on the financial priorities and sacrifices individuals might make, such as cutting back on luxury items or non-essential services.

💡Inflation

Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and subsequently, the purchasing power of currency is falling. The script mentions that prices for many goods have increased, which is a direct reference to inflation. It affects the cost of living and the value of people's savings and salaries.

💡Housing

Housing is a fundamental need and a significant part of the cost of living. The video script addresses the high cost of housing in Moscow, with residents mentioning the average cost of an apartment and the financial burden it places on them. It is a key concern for many, as it represents both a necessity and a financial investment.

💡Consumer Goods

Consumer goods are products that are ultimately consumed rather than used in the production of another good. The script discusses consumer goods in the context of what people might give up if they had to save money. It reflects on the discretionary spending habits of individuals and the trade-offs they make between necessities and luxuries.

💡Satisfaction

Satisfaction refers to the fulfillment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs, often in relation to one's job or income. The video script inquires about the level of satisfaction with their salaries among Moscow residents. It serves as a measure of happiness and contentment, which is influenced by various factors, including financial stability.

💡Career

A career is a person's professional journey or series of jobs. The script briefly touches on career aspirations and the willingness of individuals to change professions for higher earnings. It reflects the personal and financial motivations that drive career choices and the potential for professional growth or change.

💡Lifestyle

Lifestyle encompasses the interests, opinions, behaviors, and behavioral orientations of an individual, group, or culture. The video script explores the concept of a comfortable lifestyle in Moscow, as perceived by its residents. It includes discussions about the minimum income required, the types of goods and services one can afford, and the overall quality of life.

Highlights

The discussion explores how much money is needed to live comfortably in Moscow, with estimates ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 rubles per month.

Interviewees share their views on what they would sacrifice first if they had to cut back on expenses, mentioning iPhones, taxis, and coffee shops.

People on the street are asked if they are satisfied with their income, with varied responses indicating a range of personal financial situations.

The interview touches on the cost of living in Moscow, including the prices of food, clothing, and other daily necessities.

Official statistics from Rosstat are mentioned, showing average salaries in Russia and Moscow for 2022 and 2023.

There is skepticism expressed about the accuracy of official Russian statistics, suggesting they may be overly optimistic.

Moscovites are asked about their ideal salary for a comfortable existence, with answers clustering around 80,000 to 130,000 rubles.

The video discusses the desire of many Russians to move to Moscow and the related housing affordability issues.

Interviewees consider what they would prioritize if they had to economize drastically, often mentioning travel and non-essential food items.

The conversation includes a humorous anecdote about the Soviet-era understanding of 'average' income, using the example of eating golubtsy.

The video mentions the high cost of housing in Moscow, with the average price of an apartment starting from 100,000 euros.

There's a call to action for viewers to subscribe and support the channel for access to additional educational materials and community engagement.

The host shares personal career aspirations and the desire to continue developing within their chosen field rather than changing for financial gain.

The video concludes with an invitation to join a discussion club for paid subscribers, focusing on literature and the Russian language.

A quote from Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita' is referenced, highlighting the enduring issue of housing affordability in Moscow.