Moscow has become cheaper than the capitals popular among relocants: the only advantage is the climate

Those who left said what was most precious to them in a foreign land

The average monthly price tag for a comfortable life in the Russian capital turned out to be lower than those in the cities of the largest relocation of Russians – this was shown by a study conducted by independent analysts. In today’s Moscow, rent, food, fitness memberships, the Internet and other basic needs are cheaper.

If you believe the figures given in the study, which covered the cities where the most Russians moved over the past year and a half, Yerevan became the most expensive relocation capital: a decent life there costs $1,395 per month. To assess the “decent” standard of living, analysts took basic monthly expenses: the cost of renting housing per month, given that the majority of Russian relocants want to live in the center. As well as groceries, a subscription to a fitness club, Wi-Fi and mobile Internet, lunch in an inexpensive restaurant, coffee in a public catering facility, a bottle of wine for dinner, a trip to the cinema or similar leisure activities. Following Yerevan was Tbilisi ($1,142 per month for the indicated pleasures of life), then Belgrade ($1,124), Almaty ($961) and only in 6th place was Moscow – with an average amount of $945 for all the same pleasures. The only place more affordable than the Russian capital is Istanbul, where you can lead a decent lifestyle for just $873 for an entire month.

“Everything is so,” confirms 56-year-old Muscovite Yulia, whose son, his wife and grandson have been living in Yerevan for more than a year. – Not everything is more expensive, of course, but some things are definitely more expensive. For example, you can rent an apartment for reasonable money even in the center, but only if it has a “grandmother’s” renovation. If the renovation is modern, then renting an apartment on the outskirts of Yerevan will be more expensive than on the outskirts of Moscow.

Yulia says that she was in Yerevan on vacation before domestic relocations appeared there, so she knows for sure that prices “relocated” along with our fellow citizens.

– Well, for example, Sevan whitefish (fish from Lake Sevan – author) on the market before the relocation from the Russian Federation cost 2,500 drams per 1 kg (400 rubles), and now it’s 9,000 drams (1,400 rubles). I tell the merchant, and I remember you, yours was a thousand cheaper, are these prices specifically for Russians?!

The mothers of young Russian relocants, who often visit them in the cities included in the rating, say approximately the same thing.

“My daughter was very happy that her husband received a contract in Belgrade,” shares 52-year-old Marina from New Moscow. – They have been there for 4 months already. The company that invited them pays for their apartment, the rest comes from their salary, which is not bad. But in Moscow she had enough money and time to hang out with her friends in bars, clubs and concerts. It’s definitely more expensive to sit in a bar, and she spends more on groceries than in Moscow. Although my opinion is that she simply hasn’t adapted yet: she goes into a supermarket and, according to Moscow habit, throws everything she catches her eye into the cart. And it turns out that he spends more per month than at home.

Those who moved to Almaty claim that even fruits are sold there at Moscow prices, or even higher. And when asked to “go to the mountains for a couple of days, take a look at Medeo,” they just grin: they can’t afford such a trip.

“When we moved here, we thought that we could easily buy a car on the spot and explore the surrounding area,” says Anya, who moved with her husband and children to Almaty. – But it was not there! My husband’s father had to drive the car from Moscow, sawing it across all of Siberia in order to hand it over to his husband at the border. Used cars are more expensive here than in Russia, especially cool brands. Otherwise, prices are probably Moscow prices. But there is a big plus. It is calm here and there is no long off-season, except for the wind. And most importantly: we have two children, 3 and 5. And for them everything in Almaty is cheaper – from nanny services to clubs, kindergarten, toys and clothes. And they love children here very much – all of them, without exception, no matter where they come from. And this is the most important thing for us.