Are Russians poor or rich? | Average salaries in Russia & cost of living

Let's make a research! We will go to 3 regions of Russia : the poorest, the richest and a medium region in terms of average salaries of Russians.
I talked to Russian people in these regions about their salaries, monthly budget for life and what's their salary goal. I also asked them if they were happy with the life in their region or not.
Time codes:
0:00 Is Russia a poor or a rich country?
1:09 Average income region - Perm krai
2:01 How much do Permyaks spend on living?
4:32 20 million people are below the poverty line!
5:18 2nd poorest region of Russia - Republic Dagestan
6:30 How much do people really earn in Dagestan?
8:54 Are Muscovites richer than provincials?
12:06 Is Russia rich or poor?
12:33 What do Russians invest in?
📌elinabakunova.com/russianclub - Russian Speaking Club where you can practice the Russian language. Join us from any level ;)
🔸What can you find on my channel?
My name is Elina, friends call me Eli. I am from Russia, and on my channel, I share the Russian culture and travel to remote places of the country. I also discover other countries, cultures, and languages when studying or working abroad.
Here you will find
👉🏻explanation of the Russian culture and facts about Russia that you won't find on google
👉🏻interviews with people in the streets on controversial topics
👉🏻opportunities for education for international students and learning the Russian language
👉🏻travel vlogs from the Big country
📍 More videos:
• Life in a provincial R... - Life in a provincial Russian town in the Urals | Perm
• Russian culture | Habi... - Russian culture | Habits you should adopt in Russia
• Slavic languages | Are... - Slavic languages | Are they similar and can you learn all of them?
___
📸 / elibakunova - on my Instagram I share more content about Russia, cultures, traveling and my daily life
🤍 / elifromrussia - if you feel like supporting my channel through Patreon

[@virtualvortex3146]

I live in Russia, Siberia, earn about 74 000rub (1000USD/month after all taxes), my wife earns about 40 000 rub (600USD/month) after taxes...so in total we have 1600USD. We live in a 2 bedroom apartment and have a daughter of 13 years old... So, as most of Russians we already own our apartment so we don't have to pay the rent, we pay for the utilitities (central hitting, hot and cold water, sewage, electricity) about 150USD every month, education and medical care here is free, insurance is paid by the employer so we have 1450 USD after all necessary expences, for food we pay about 300USD, car loan and gasoline about +200USD , other expenses include swimming pool, bars and restaurants, cinemas, maybe +200USD ... so we can save up about $650 everty month and spend them in Thailand or Turkey. We are average Russian family in Siberia.

[@rgnotdead]

thanks for the info. What work do you and your wife do?

[@thirteenLify]

I hope not for a long time, I'm sure of it. The Russians attack other countries, so they don't deserve to live decently. Everything will change, believe me.

[@karabardin]

It's been a year and you earn 800$/month... (74k rub)

[@user-ro9cm9qj2d]

@@karabardin Наверняка у него за этот год зарплату подняли как и у многих в России.Surely his salary was raised this year, like many in Russia.

[@virtualvortex3146]

@@karabardin I work in Moscow now , my salary is around 3K USD . So life is good!

[@pamelagileno5483]

Your videos are very enjoyable and provide a perspective most Americans aren't aware of. I'm impressed by how well-spoken and articulate most Russians present themselves as. Sadly, I couldn't say the same about the average American. Thank you for your efforts to educate the world about a most fascinating country 💜

[@alvinhernandez5736]

Pamela, American have had it all moneywise, that's why they don't care much, unlike Russians they have to put a lot of effort in order to achieve something

[@TheZeiZei100]

They are articulate enough, until you ask them some difficult question like "who does Crimea belong to" or "why are you spending most of your annual budget on fighting a colonial war"?

[@denkot442]

​@@TheZeiZei100 Yes. Not like the Americans, they can answer “there was oil there.” It is not fashionable to have complex reasons for starting a war. And ask the Crimeans, did they capture them or did they join)

[@ColdPotato]

I hope the people of the US and Russia can continue to get along and not let governments interfere. You guys/gals are fantastic.

[@Keashane]

The US is a melting pot of all backround. Theres always prejudice or hate towards other backround. Only politicians have issues. There should be piece on both sides. God Bless .

[@vidasbauzys9091]

That didn't age well

[@eggrollsoup]

@@vidasbauzys9091 lol

[@Saturday8pm]

As long as Putler lives, not happening. All the monsters have got to GO. 🇺🇦

[@mishkaseverokavkazskiy230]

✊👍

[@Zac_LDN]

This is great content. As a British citizen we rarely get an insight in to the normal day to days of Russian society. Great people!

[@paulsevenitz616]

Still better Fly to russia and build an opinion on own impressions..not a guided tour but on your own..

[@capricorntwenty]

I'm a Brit too, and what people forget is the MONUMENTAL change since when I was last in Moscow in 74, it is so vast as to be unimaginable, and the young today in the capital do not know how fortunate they are, not to have to join long queues just in the hope of getting some bread.

[@JesusOnHeroin]

Fucking russia s

[@PerryCuda]

Great people?

[@StevenSeagul783]

@@PerryCudayes great people! What? Do you think you and I and all these other people from the west are any better? There seems to be a night and day difference between our cutler and Russia’s. You can’t let the media and the president make you choose what to believe, we already know how corrupt they are. You have to research things on your own.

[@timurr253]

I just wanna appreciate the fact that she travelled to 3 different cities to make this video. That’s commendable, good job :)

[@user-wb2tm3hv8w]

Google the distance between Perm and Dagestan and you'd be even more impressed

[@user-ch5xf4df6g]

That was not good job. Russia has 88 regions and 3 federal cities. Eli has visited only 1 federal city and only 2 big cities in 2 regions. Also, Moskow, Makhachkala and Perm are the cities from european part of Russia. European part... I think it's about 30% of Russian land... I live in Siberia. It's less than 50% of Russian asian part but more than all european Russia...

[@timurr253]

You know there’s an old saying “if u have to say something, say something nice” Sure Russia is huge but she could have used stock footage and made that video from her bedroom. Rather than doing that she went out and put in the effort to make something informative Try to be positive my friend, it will make your life easier 😊✌🏽

[@stanspb763]

@@user-ch5xf4df6g By population, her choices are more representative than adding sparsely populated areas/

[@nuclear9977]

@@ElifromRussia eli your so beautiful 😘

[@cerealport2726]

I love this comparison. Talking to normal people, adding context and humanity to a subject that is otherwise a bunch of soulless Excel tables and charts. Excellent video!

[@tamil8379]

@@ElifromRussia normal people means slaves of the norm system who sell themselves for money, the real poverty and norm system is a system for steal from people all over the world soulless people sold their souls, can not speak=szól

[@hospitallercross1155]

@@tamil8379 Shut up. That's a Rules & Norm for how u Live with Society just live in the Jungle then if u didnt like it

[@balazskiss985]

@@hospitallercross1155 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shu_(Egyptian_god) shu is the wind, speaks to you, shouts, suggests, makes a siege shu= so so well = fountain of words= shu, the wind comes out, and speak, shoug, susurrate by Susan shoot Baal is the wind god, can not shut up the wind boy=bal-ish kisssssssssssssssssssss

[@balazskiss985]

@@hospitallercross1155 rules are made by the Úr, the one who Ural=rules, when you are with the lord, you are in powER=erő (ő= he/she/is, er ő, úr ő= is in power) your idea of sociaty is the jungle's rule = capitalism, captain or catepano, kato with katana in japan, kapo in gulag katona=soldier, zsold= payment to kill, money that for you sold your soul szól=speaks, a soldier can not speak, but a warrior vári úr/őr in magyar= lord/guard of the fortress, vár=waits, he is úr=lord, in poeER, waits in vár=fortress, what is round=kör, and pure, fortress in india=pur, vára=his fortress, város=huarez=city kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnVdYRrgt1gqLs where the lord=úr lives? in the vár=fortress variál= change the versions, waits on half leg

[@borber5872]

@@ElifromRussia russia is Bő=rich, wide, fat, powerfull, fertile kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGiulnVubr1jq5I

[@BluecordedPoet]

This was enlightening. I'm loving Russia more and more with each video. If only our countries could figure their shit out. Great content!

[@ironsugar8690]

1. Aspect to consider: justice system. Let's assume following happened: head of, let's say, Arizona published a video showing his son beating unarmed tied person (person supposedly commited a crime, but not even under prosecution yet). No responsibility held. Moreover, this son recieves a medal of honor. Or another example. A huge videoarchive of tortures (including 'швабрование' = 'mop' + 'action', guess now what action is meant here) behind the bars of one particular prison is published, also in european media. No responsibility held. Moreover, the head of this prison gets promotion shortly after. That's just a tip of a deep dark ocean called Russian justice with more than 99% conviction rate. 2. Safety and insurance of so called socially vulnerable segments of the population. Just imagine a person lost his health by accident, or is in orphaned house, or got convicted, or is otherwise disabled, or ... Most of the times, if a person doesn't have relatives who are willing and are able to care, life gonna be hell on earth for such person. The 'free' medical care is just a BS.

[@aragti6060]

Let me approximate, spending $1000 in Russia equals like $5000 in the US.

[@MrKostya1976]

I am a 45-year old russian living in St. Petersburg and I find your videos really interesting. Showing different aspects of Russia as objectively as possible, only then giving your own opinion and, in addition, giving other Russians practice English listening skills. You have talent for such job as vlogging. I just discovered your and russianplus channels and now really digging them. Now, that's what internet is for - showing unbiased truth. Enough of that bs with propaganda from all sides. Thank you, Eli!

[@gatesroyale]

You sound American! Digging it? American slang

[@t0n0k0]

@@gatesroyale you think "digging it" is exclusively American slang? Wow, get outside of your bubble mate.

[@user-pg3hp7fs1e]

я тоже с спб

[@Namastephie]

@@t0n0k0ell it actually does come from African American English, so maybe pick up a book and realize you might be more ignorant than you realize. The fact that there are more likes from a rude and negative comment than the positive comment also shows the differences between US and other countries. You all fight each other over everything. The rest of us are happy to learn and share ✌🏻

[@SyifaAdriana]

Wow Eli, I am impressed with the depth you have gone through on this video. Learnt a lot! Lots of love, I adore your channel and fresh perspective.

[@deb5932]

Syifa you are from which country?

[@deb5932]

@S P What is your full name?

[@deb5932]

@S P Let you write the name first and your surname

[@linyenchin6773]

Strong Soviet Work Ethic, been making them amazing for generations.

[@blardymunggas6884]

One thing I learn from this video is one can still be happy irregardless how much one earns. There will never be enough money no matter how much we earn. Just live to the fullest with what we have. God bless everyone and have a happy life ahead.

[@605pilot]

I’m retired and living in state of Colorado, USA. I made sure to pay off all my debt before retiring and I can live comfortably on social security without having to depend on my savings. I know that everything is a lot less expensive in Russia compared to the United States so getting by with less money is easier in Russia. Love your podcast.

[@MegakillerFortnight]

Hello America,been to Mexico and had seen lots of your citizens in this country and they say same:) Salute from Russia

[@antonsinitsyn6420]

Lately I started see more and more people from USA here, maybe you can try to visit our country and live here for some time to save some money from your pension and take advantage of the free health care.

[@StevenSeagul783]

@@antonsinitsyn6420 I want to visit! 🇨🇦🇷🇺

[@aika_gacha]

I would also like to add that there is a lot of support for families with children in Russia. For the birth of the first child they give about $ 9,000, for the second child $ 7000, for the third child they repay the mortgage for $ 5,000. An apartment in the middle cities of Russia costs $ 40,000. For people with low wages, each child under 16 is paid an allowance of $ 150. For large families, there are benefits for paying for utilities, as well as meals at schools and school uniforms at the expense of the state. In some regions, large families are given plots of land for the construction of houses. This is done to increase the birth rate. But unfortunately, people without children and the elderly receive minimal help.

[@brandonsaquariumsandterrar8985]

I heard something like putin will pay people to have more than 10 kids

[@ricosuave7102]

It’s the complete opposite in America. Our federal government does nothing for the citizens. It’s our States government that does and depending on what state you live in it could be poor or rich or have almost nothing to help the people. Everyone can get welfare but it’s typically not anywhere near enough. If you aren’t working a high paying job then you are poor. High paying being like $5,000 clean after taxes but you can’t afford to live in California,New York,Florida,texas because it won’t be enough for a family.

[@IIISofiaIII]

Don’t try to fool people. ‘Mother’s Capital’ is only 9000$ for two children in sum (if you haven’t got it for the first child you will got it for second), not 9000+7000$ lol. And that’s insanely low money for the developed countries. It’s like a 2 month salary for average man or woman lmfao (but in Russia that would be a 12-24 month salary). What about flats’ prices that’s also a lie. Prices like 40000$ do not exist anymore (thanks to the pandemic), maybe in some dying small cities.

[@zaraza8741]

​@@IIISofiaIII это вы вруша затраты в аАмерике наб Н ого больше, так что нужно смо реть зарплаты и затраты, а не только зарплаты

[@pinetworkminer8377]

@@ricosuave7102 Let's Go Brandon!

[@alabamamothman2986]

As an American who had pursued large salaries, I can tell you without doubt "MONEY ISNT EVERYTHING". it leads to estrangement between family and friends and devastating loneliness. It taught me "keep all things in balance". And to develop a spiritual presence.

[@keithknott9823]

AMEN ON THAT!!! FINALLY SOMEBODY ELSE HERE IN THE "UNITED STATES" BESIDES ME UNDERSTANDS WHAT I'VE TELLING BEEN THESE "MONEY HOARDERS" HERE ALL OF MY LIFE: (2 DIFFERENT PHRASES) (1) YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU WHEN YOU DIE! (2) (AND YOU RICH "SNOBS" OF TEXAS ESPECIALLY PAY ATTENTION HERE) "NOT EVERYBODY HERE IN TEXAS (ESPECIALLY THE HOMELESS) ARE "DONALD TRUMPS", NOR ARE THEY RELATED TO HIM IN ANY WAY!

[@ariannawilliams1375]

TRUTH

[@naubermiranda1025]

As we say in Brazil, coffins have no drawer.

[@gokarty]

@Cameron Müller That made me laugh out loud ... "Biden politics"?? The Trump administration made the USA a lsughingstock round the world!

[@keithknott9823]

@@gokarty If you think the "TRUMP POLITICS" we're a "JOKE". Then you should listen to a favorite music group I ABSOLUTELY ENJOY LISTENING TO CALLED "PARODY PROJECT". If you (like me and many others) thought "TRUMP WAS A JOKE"? Then you need to hear the songs that this bunch sings: YOUR GONNA REALLY LAUGH YOUR HEAD OFF!!!

[@nelsoncedeno5509]

Great video Eli. I love to see real people share their stories. This was very insightful

[@steelcom5976]

I'm glad I subscribed to this channel for 4 reasons 1) the topics are excellent and give you a real feel for the parts of the world off the beaten track, 2) Eli gives a broad perspective on the sometimes seedier side of the country (which by the way all countries have but we never see it in Russia), 3) her English is at such a good level that she can be precise and concise with her explanations, 4) her interviews with local residents are informative Thanks so much for your videos

[@superAweber]

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen on KZbin. Engaging, informative, showing many voices and graphics, stats, while keeping a story narrative going

[@AnonNPUguy]

I can tell you put a lot of time, effort, and money into making this. Thank you. I hope to be in Russia next year, and your videos have helped a lot. :)

[@taemck3946]

Russia is waiting for you 🤗

[@letloverule6721]

Good luck! Especially now😁

[@taemck3946]

@@letloverule6721 In Russia, guests are always welcome, except for the case when they are nationalists and terrorists 😏

[@prathapageireshakumari277]

Thanks Eli. Such a wonderful information you give me. This is most useful for me. Because I am from srilanka. Almost end of next month I have plan go to Russia for studies Russian language and doing some part time jobs.i am subscribing your Chanel and I am watching your videos very interesting. I need your help and more informations.i wish you all the very best .thank you so much Eli.

[@kendellfriend5558]

5:14: for starters, great video! I love how you went to different cities and got different perspectives because wealth and income in Russia is so complicated and complex. But also, the fact that the incomes are now less half than what they were 5 months ago is crazy. And it’s even crazier that it used to be even more than double that years ago. I’m wishing you the best!

[@StarGazeroftheMultiverse]

Спасибо за еще одно отличное видео, Эли!

[@ancientartrevived]

Thank you to all the interviewees giving a glimpse into life in Russia... and to Eli making it happen :)

[@Imrankhan-xk9mw]

Wow. this is world class content.. you have put so much effort in it. Kudos 🔥🔥

[@johnconnor2402]

Great reporting Eli! This video is so much better than most of mainstream news channels!

[@mec0013]

Hey Eli, lots of love from Canada. Over here the poverty line is considered about $24,000 CAD (CAD is roughly .78 of USD) a year. So $2000 a month. In Toronto and Vancouver that will maybe afford you social housing as home prices are 600k to 2 million CAD and rent is about $2000 a month. Anyways one of my friends is from Smolensk, he brought me rubles last time he visited the motherland. I love Russia and its culture, keep making videos!

[@magdishalash5195]

Outstanding , Encompassing yet Concise 👌 Thank you, kudos keep it up

[@loxlover1714]

Well done. You absolutely have a talent for video journalism. In combination with proficiency in English, and a live "resume", the sky is the limit for you.

[@gawiemeyer9108]

Eli, keep up the great work, even now when everything is difficult for you with the perception of Russia. Stay strong

[@yeanyworang9025]

Thank you for sharing. Really appreciated.

[@faithybyfaith]

Very good balanced interviews and it was good to hear it from the perspective of the locals. I loved that your video showed all levels of the locals in an unbiased way.

[@nightyonetwothree]

not really, as average salary was ~25-30k and minimum wage is ~12k - you must expect for every person having 50k income get one with 12k, and for every one having 100k there should be ~7-8 with 15k. But here you see mostly 30+, 50+ and even few who spend over 80-100k a month which is kinda enormous for average russian.

[@faithybyfaith]

@nightyonetwothree oh I didn't know. I should have known that some voices were being left out or overlooked.

[@nightyonetwothree]

@@faithybyfaith they weren't overlooked, they just didnt get into video due to areas selected to interview. The video is done good and has good intentions, but suddenly miss average and most common experiences.

[@silentscreams1988]

Wow, what an interesting video! Great work Eli 👌

[@DanRoddy]

Really fascinating insight and view of life in a country I don't know enough about. Thank you, Eli!

[@dashimansu]

This is really a great survey. Quite an interesting topic. Kudos 👌

[@RussianPlus]

Fantastic video Eli. Wow so many interviews. You're unstoppable!

[@willstatmen9591]

I love your channel! I’m so honored to be the first liking this comment of yours! I’m from Guangzhou, China, you’ve visited!

[@willstatmen9591]

Ignore my username, I’m actually Chinese lol!

[@olezhastanislavich8818]

It is totally fake data to create positive impression about russian government.

[@user-vb8ci9my8o]

@@olezhastanislavich8818 Олежа, почему бы тебе не волноваться о родной незалежной?

[@olezhastanislavich8818]

@@user-vb8ci9my8o вообще умом тронулась?! Я в России!!!

[@MrEvildikk]

Another great video. Almost 20 years ago I made a friend from Moscow through chat. Her name was Elena Bekasova. We had some of the most in depth conversations, and we did so almost everyday. You remind me a lot of her. I miss her very much, haven't spoken to her in probably 15 years. So I want to thank you for giving me another peek into Russia. I have always had a great respect for the people, culture, and history.

[@olgaluna6447]

In case you've unexpectedly lost connection... If you tell me her location (city, town, region) and age, I can try to find her through local social nets.

[@MrEvildikk]

@@olgaluna6447 her name is above, and all I know was she lived in Moscow and worked for Nokia Cables at the time.

[@olgaluna6447]

@@MrEvildikk I have made a cursory research at Russia's "classmates" net, but found only one Elena Bekasova in Moscow. There is little information, her profile is closed to unknown people. I don't know whether it's her or not, but she seems much younger than your friend - under 40 (straight black hair, black eyes).

[@MrEvildikk]

@@olgaluna6447 thank you for trying, that is very kind of you😁

[@MrEvildikk]

@@olgaluna6447 she had red hair. She should be around 45 years old i believe

[@MrLeeMJones]

Love your videos! Russia is a fascinating country and your videos reveal so much insight

[@yhird]

Wonderful video Eli. Thank you for your hard work and sharing.

[@mullerissa4377]

Appreciate your offert was one helpful example of the life over there from a variety of people especially from Moscow. We would like to see more kind if videos like this one . Keep going awesome work 👍

[@twentyrothmans7308]

Thanks to the interviewees for their time and their opinions. And thank you, Eli.

[@marimorgan1480]

Thank you for posting these videos!

[@petermendoza1170]

Very informative. Thank you

[@jimholder6656]

A great and enlightening report, Eli! Many thanks!

[@carlosmacedo6442]

Really enjoyed seeing the different perspectives from different cities, but also different people from the same city. We always want more money, but it's really true that having more doesn't necessarily bring you happiness, and I'm glad to see that several of the interviewees also expressed that notion. Thank you Eli, for your video.

[@olezhastanislavich8818]

This video has no connection to real hard life people in Russia are living!!!

[@carlosmacedo6442]

@@olezhastanislavich8818 , I'm sure that's true... many people are suffering with very difficult circumstances. I was just trying to highlight that beyond the basic needs of food and shelter, money doesn't really bring happiness beyond a certain amount. It's more about relationships and experiences.

[@olezhastanislavich8818]

@@carlosmacedo6442 Jep! People in Russia are taking loans to buy food! Do you really think this kind of videos create right image how russians are rich?!

[@olezhastanislavich8818]

@alex mostafa yes it is, but when you have no money to buy simply food???!!! It is really easy to said this kind of stuff when you are not starving!!! Alex, c'mon!

[@lolitavine9616]

​@@olezhastanislavich8818Олежа, че за бред ты несешь? Кредиты берут на крупные покупки (например, машина) и бытовую технику или берут ипотеку на квартиру. Никто не берет кредит на еду. Среди моих знакомых нет людей, которые бы голодали. Если человек работает в России, то деньги на пожрать всегда будут.

[@migueld.jimenez4813]

Thank you for this socio-economic video of your country. I love this video. Greetings

[@explorethewonder]

So nice place. Thank you for sharing this video!

[@umaisv1352]

Thank you for the informative video. I'm orifinally from Dagestan but lived abroad for the last 15 years. Currently I'm in Canada. It's true that some people in Dagestan are struggling to make the ends meet but that's a minority. In general, I wouldn's say it's that bad. I have 3 sisters still living in Makhachkala.

[@davidalexsebastiank6250]

I can tell you that it's Because of Insurgency in Caucasus Caused by Radical Islamists that has led to the loss of Economy and Jobs in Dagestan and Ingushetia

[@overname3517]

Салам из Дагестана

[@RussianFans-vn6cj]

Hi 🌹

[@widjoh]

Thank you so much Eli, for sharing this interesting video, based on your research. After visiting Russia several times, I'm just so much looking forward to visit Russia agian.... and hopefully next year, everything will be ok for travelling again.

[@alexivanov7571]

Жить надо в удовольствии,а не ежедневный обязательный труд.Это мало чем отличается от рабства.Только теперь финансовое рабство.

[@TaoNeko]

Welcome to our country!)

[@vibewithjudeo]

this is very good work, thank you so much

[@petea7834]

Thank you Fantastic ending 👏

[@ba-gg6jo]

A great 13-minute immersion in what a lot of us in the West never hear about. Thank you for this. Stay safe and well.

[@r3n736]

Why stay safe? Russia is so safe lol.

[@user-hv5pk5yp8q]

@@r3n736I guess, because the history.

[@neoliberalerneandertaler9347]

Really good content very interessting questions and answers. I learned alot today. Thanks for youre true insights, i also have so many questions left.

[@kosadinos]

Again many thanks for your most informative videos. Indeed amazing work! Keep going and indicate the ways to support you

[@rosespearls8605]

Great video ! Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻❤️

[@sd-rj2rw]

Russia is perceived both rich and poor due to tremendous gap between these two categories. The author did a brilliant work, but, unfortunately, didn't focus on main reason why people in Russia live so differently. This medium salaries, that she mentioned, are salaries of top-managers, while simple workers like managers together. I can give an example: my friend doctor working in St.Petersburg in public polyclinic as a general practioner and earns 70 000 rubles (around 853 euros), but her boss and head of polyclinic gets 450 000 rubles (5400 euros).Thus, in average we get around 90 000 rubles or higher, when, in fact, for most jobs in the second largest city in the country you will get from 45 000 to 65 000 rubles what is less than 1 000 euros monthly. And 25% (around 125 euros) you give for utilities of 2 rooms apt. Transport is about 55 euros. Food and toiletries are 25 000 approximately. So, if you get 45 000 rubles, you will not make any savings, you will buy only occasionally cheap clothes, you can't afford mortgage or renting smth except the cheapest room and will take credits for purchasing smartphones. 80 000 rubles is fine as long as you don't have children and credits like mortgage. In contrast, people working on high positions or doing business, get very high salary but pay the same income tax of 13%. Yes, in Russia we have a linear income tax system. Poor and rich pay the same proportion of money from their official salary. All that together make Russia a contry with one of the highest number of billionaires and high number of poor people as well

[@user-wc7ys9nu9m]

Прекрасный, недооценённый комментарий

[@user-vb8ci9my8o]

То есть всё-таки в России огромное количество людей получает зарплату 450000 рублей? Поликлиник у нас много😜

[@sd-rj2rw]

@@user-vb8ci9my8o а вы внимательно читаете? Я писала про спб. Я не знаю, кто сколько там во всей России получает. В регионах разная зарплата. От региона зависит. И не 45, а 450. И у заведующей, а не у врача

[@user-vb8ci9my8o]

@@sd-rj2rw так я и написала 450, а не 45. Это вы читайте внимательней. Так сколько только в одном Питере поликлиник? А если учесть, что это вообще уровень определённый, то есть руководили чего угодно этого уровня получают столько же примерно плюс-минус. В масштабах страны это огромная цифра.

[@sd-rj2rw]

@@user-vb8ci9my8o чё??? Вы мне сейчас будете рассказывать, что нормально, когда у врача с высшим образованием и заведующей зп в 6 раз отличается? Может вы погуглите разницу в зп в Германии, Голландии, Швеции? Прежде чем начинать дискуссию

[@JosephPuplava]

Wow! Very informative and detailed. I truly enjoy your videos. I am learning the Russian language now. I want to learn more about their culture. Thank you. I am truly blessed to get to know you and learn about the cultures. Thank you.

[@krisjustin3884]

You have a nice, clear voice and an engaging style of presentation. Great job!

[@jersonjim3605]

This is just amazing 👏

[@keithschultz9406]

Awesome video Eli … thank you for sharing About the wages and costs of living in Russia:)) amazing to hear the perspectives of your guests in your interviews :))

[@user-si2dr1pn3p]

you should also take into account that Americans and Europeans call the full salary, from which they then pay taxes. But all Russians call the " net " salary that they receive after deducting all taxes. The real salary in Russia is much higher.

[@jakobdietl1111]

i truely love your videos! i found out about your chanel right before going to russia for the very first time. made me see things differently and helped me understand. keep it up 💖

[@VistaLatin]

Hello Eli, I love your videos, thank you for sharing as always.... You are amazing....

[@susana3716]

You do wonderful work showing the varied perspectives.

[@raghavendra4633]

Eli so many new things to learn from your VIDEOS. Thanks to KZbin, we are so happy to know about RUSSIA in detail . What I love about Russia is the Healthcare system. Loved the DAD AND DAUGHTER at 9:52. The kid was keenly watching Q and A with her DAD

[@dwaynetherockjohnson2450]

@@ElifromRussia Hello, aww life is great; Can I have a little of your time, I wanna have a chat with you if you don't mind, The Rock 🗿

[@darellnewsome4459]

Excellent video and I like how you went into depth by comparing some other regions! Thank you for doing what you do. I learned a lot!

[@darellnewsome4459]

@@ElifromRussia Your welcome!

[@onlyhereonce7290]

This is a very good video. Very informative. Thank you.

[@richardbates895]

I know this is a bit older video, and certainly before current events, but it's really informative. Thanks Eli!

[@mohitsethi3509]

Yeah, that's true, we always want more, always 3,10 times more... Loved your content. Your subscriber from India 🇮🇳

[@stanspb763]

This is a great video Eli. I try to explain to those in the west who look down on Russians as poor, and in the west, the worst someone can be, subhuman or unworthy if someone is poor. They brag how rich, therefore more deserving they are in USD. I am in the US right now for a month and I have not been back to my home country, USA, for 7 years. When I tell people I am only visiting and where I have lived for the past 21 years, they are surprised and almost always comment on how dangerous and poor my adopted home of Russia is. They ask why on earth would a person from a rich country go to a poor dictatorship or how I deal with the corruption and poverty. What Americans do not understand about wealth is they will never have it and never even be self-sufficient. I shock them, surely they do not believe me when I tell them I know no one in Russia over 20 who does not have a superior education or is poor regardless of their income in dollars. The point is, one of the 1/2 million Americans who are living on the street or under bridges are less poor than the bottom 60% of Americans because while the homeless have no money they also have no negative net worth like the bottom 60%. That means the money-less homeless do not owe far more than they could ever earn like most Americans. Americans live on future income, credit and will never their debts so their children will not have the benefit of inheritance, that every generation coming up had throughout history. In Russia, young people complain that they would be rich if Putin was replaced by anyone because they are well educated but clueless about economics or how lucky they are. It is very rare for a 20 yo to have any debt in Russia, and it is very common for them to own a small apartment, one that was privatized in the 1990s and possibly owned by a grandparent who moved into the parents home or had an extra apartment so the recent college graduate has only modest utility costs, food and low cost convenient public transportation, so their starting salary of say, $800 a month represents $500 a month to save, entertainment, travel or invest in starting a small business. No college debt, no medical debt, no car loans, no cell phone debt, or cable tv debt. They are economically more secure than the bottom 70% of Americans. I have a far better quality of life in St Petersburg than is even possible in the US with no debt and far more active social and cultural life than I did 20 years ago in California that had a base cost of living before any discretionary spending of about $10,000 a month. In Russia, I spend about $1500 a month and that includes dining own often, attending world-class opera, ballet, dance clubs, exhibitions, socializing, dating and generally have a better quality of life than anyone I know in the US with far more personal freedom, more security and less restraints on choices. My friends and acquaintances in Russia span all social and economic strata, And none are in serious debt, all take long foreign vacations, all take it for granted that medical services are free. and assume that everyone in the world gets free education, long paid family leave, 58 or more days of paid vacation time, have access to the highest caliber opera, theater, museums, art, ballet, more restaurants than they can count and low taxes, low crime, cheap clean safe public transportation, clean safe parks in every area of any city. These are assumed to be a given since they had these from birth. Americans just do not have cultural options unless wealthy and living in one of 3 or 4 cities so Americans have grown up without seeing that culture is even an option. One in 10,000 will ever see a real ballet or opera or see a Grand Master painting. Kids grow up with no access to culture or even clean safe parks in families that both parents need to work full time just to keep even with debt payments leaving no extra for vacations or recreation without taking on more debt. Yet they are very confident that they are the richest people on earth and everyone else is of less value as a human because they are not rich. The average level of debt those who go to college(less than 1/2 graduate) , needing a car due to lack of public transport, high payment for renting a home, in the US has a less net worth than any street musician I know who works 2 days a week. The median net worth of someone who took on college debt, in the US is Negative $112,000 meaning that Russian street musician making tips is likely $190,000 richer than that American the same age, owning their home, no college debt, no medical debt. The poorest beggar in India might have nothing, but they are not $112,000 in negative worth like the 21-year-old in the US. Americans and EU citizens always look down their noses at Russians due to their income differences in USD or GDP but comparing the more accurate PPP, purchasing power parity, both Chinese workers and Russians have more economic security and "wealth".

[@user-gx3hj5ur3n]

You are almost absoletly right. To compare in the USD - is a childish game. In 2008 the exchange Rate was about 23RUB/USD not far from the Real Value. But then Bang! South Ossetia! Then bang! Financial Crisis! Then Bang! Ukraine! But does it mean, that we, in Russia, are now more than 3 times poorer with 72RUB/USD than in 2008? No. BTW, it seems that in the near future well be measering all in Chinese YUANs not in the USD, he-he.

[@ahmadmujahid5198]

@@user-gx3hj5ur3n Chinese yuan is weaker than usd and euro, cannot use it as international curreccy

[@user-ov4hi9rn2v]

Спасибо Вам за поддержку! Меня очень печалит негативное отношение граждан запада к русским людям, при этом большинство из нас не имеет долгов, большинство имеет недвижимость и мы можем купить себе все необходимое.

[@helenatallah5780]

Couldn't agree more 👌

[@user-iy2yp4hz2p]

​@@ahmadmujahid5198Доллар США тем более фантик, бумажка, абсолютно ничем не обеспеченная!

[@explorermike19]

Excellent post. Well planned. Good information. Very interesting.

[@Cruelaid]

Beautiful smiles from genuine people ❤️

[@rogerrodgers6550]

Eli you are a star Many thanks for a professional and pleasant video

[@user-hw8lm1nc4q]

Кисель тв отдыхает.. )))

[@brysonboehl6590]

Very informative and well done video.

[@prettykaypee]

Thank you for your video. My second time watching your video. I love that you speak English so fluently and that you interview the general public to get a sense of poor or rich. I'm from Malaysia and have not been interested in Russia until now that I saw your videos!

[@lemohome]

keep up the great work. I love you. Love this comparison.

[@AntonKramer]

As always charming, informative and objective ! In the western media we only get to see the negative aspects of modern Russia. That's why I'm happy to see that more and more younger Russians like you are showing a more diverse picture of Russia. You rock Eli!

[@stanspb763]

Actually western media does not show any aspects of Russia. Almost every claim and narrative is a coordinated fabrication with a geopolitical goal of training a mass population to accept war on : evil" Russia. The same has been done to the Middle East and now focused on manufacturing consent to attack China. I have seen no article or TV segment that was true about Russia in western media and politics for 20 years. Not one claim turned out to be true.

[@rd7726]

@@stanspb763 Putin is perfect and there's no such thing as Russian hackers...no dissenters wrongly imprisoned or poisoned too right? Lol move to China as well. I'm sure you'll enjoy so much freedom 🙂

[@f9658]

@@rd7726 No one says Putin is perfect, but he’s not like what Western media says, for example, “Thief”, like that’s not what I see as a Russian, all that has happened under Putin is improvement of Russia as a whole. Though it may not be improvement in every aspect of life in Russia, for ex, we are not really too committed in those social issues like about all those genders Americans come up with, feminism, and etc. And if you think Navalny will be a great leader for Russia and will solve all problems, trust me, you’d need more research. I want you to reply and say more bad things you think about Russia and I’m willing to give you a more realistic perspective or even agree with your points if its true. If not, then go on with your life and keep thinking the same way that you’ve been thinking about Russians all your life

[@shobhit7735]

@@f9658 Well I want to know more about navalny from You? What's your take? Is he the future of Russia or just a puppet of West?

[@f9658]

@@shobhit7735 To be real honest, many Russians don’t see Navalny as a good leader, he is just controversial. Russians only use him as a symbol for change, but not as a leader. He’s more like that one politician that most likely was backed by America just to cause problems for Putin. Many Russians would like the leadership to change more often which is why there was protests when Russians knew about the Navalny controversy. I myself would like the leadership to change more often but so far, there’s just no better alternative than Putin, he’s very knowledgeable about geopolitics which is such a great skill for running a massive nation that borders so many countries, he has managed to keep Russia away from major conflicts while improving Russia from the inside.

[@natcers]

Very interesting video. I've also read something that i couldnt agree more: money is linked to happiness but only until a certain extent (after you got the basics). After that, money won't affect your happiness status, it will only provide you with extras in life. And I believe that's the concept countries like Finland use to make it "the happiest" country to live in.

[@angelbythewings]

After your basics are covered, you either save / waste. It does not make you more or less happy

[@tweetyuno]

When you have money and help ppl in need you feel very satisfied but when you have money just thinking how you can make more money and forget about other needed ppl you are not happy.

[@hasniahalias377]

Great content, Eli. Thanks and thumbs up.

[@arnovda9479]

Great video! Now I'm curious to get to know more!

[@InfinittraksMusicGroup]

Insightful information Eli great job well done.

[@stewartrogerson1369]

An important aspect to wealth that is often overlooked is public wealth (infrastructure plus other shared services) I'm sure public wealth is high in Moscow and St.Pete. With high public wealth, there is less need for private wealth. I was impressed in the overall satisfaction expressed by the interviewees, reasonable expectations stood out in my mind.

[@550077]

Lower salaries corelate with lower public wealth as well.

[@charonboat6394]

That’s wrong assumption. Higher wages provide higher taxes needed for infrastructure improvement and maintenance. Lower wages lead to budget constraints and deterioration of infrastructure. Especially in Moscow. The rate of asphalt destruction is amazing there. Russians drive on spiked tires grinding road surface.

[@user-si2dr1pn3p]

@@charonboat6394 hahahaha! When were you in Moscow?

[@user-xf5bh5le4q]

@@charonboat6394 Do you understand the meaning of what you read? You are told that a well-developed infrastructure (developed, inexpensive public transport, free education, free medicine, own housing ...) allows you to live normally with low incomes. You are ranting about the ways of filling the budget without knowing how it is formed in Russia. And, just in case, in Russia they call wages after taxes.

[@stanspb763]

@@charonboat6394 In Russia taxes are very low but taxes do not pay for the expensive infrastructure improvements and health care system. The state manages some assets as the commons so the health care for everyone is paid primarily by the state gas company since the gas belongs to all the people. The roads and public buildings, museums, theaters, parks, pedestrian streets, etc are far better than found in any city in the US where taxes are high so your thesis does not make sense. The improvement to infrastructure in all the regional capitals has been even more dramatic. My adopted home is St Petersburg and the city is stunning, nothing close in services and access to clean safe parks, museums, galleries, culture, is dramatically better than large cities in the US. The streets are much safer, public transport is so good it is better to not have the cost and loss in value of a car. It is easier to live in Russia in part because of the public ownership of so many things people need and use. The high taxes in the US provides very little to the people unless you own stock in weapons manufacturers. I am currently visiting back home in California, the first time back in 7 years and the increased cost of the hundreds of needed payments every month means only the wealthy have a decent life right now. In the 50s and 60 the middle class owed 68% of the nations wealth and now it owns 6% and declining yearly so there are 60% of the population below poor, with a negative net worth in deep debt. At least the poor have no money, which the once middle class has negative money, less than poor. Almost no access to culture, safe parks, few if any museums. The median distance Americans are from a quality museum is 882 miles so kids grow up in a cultural void. Less than 1 in 10,000 Americans have ever been to a real opera performance. My adopted city has 600 clean, safe beautiful parks that are open 24 hours

[@markuswilde3592]

Excellent video. It would be interesting to also see how the personal economic life of people living in rural areas is, like small towns and villiages. :)

[@davidjunmassuno2]

Excelente video. Congratulations. From Brazil

[@LaemRinkee]

Great video. Things are actually looking pretty good considering what the country went through in the 90s. I feel more optimism in these people than in the french people.

[@krissdev6301]

Thank you 🙏🏻 90s we’re the hell, people lost a lot, someone lost everything, little percent of people only lived good… a lot of drugs, alcoholics, poor ppl, death, crushing business and infrastructure, development also etc… all of it was the result of lose in that Cold War 😢 personally me remember in childhood I eat the food which now is only for dogs like chicken legs… I mean not those legs which in McDonald’s 😁 I mean real legs with fingers…. The little cities also crushed because of crushing infrastructure…

[@flatlander5054]

This is such an excellent video Eli! Thank you for introducing your countrymen to us. With all the talk of money and how much is enough, I felt compelled to mention that the vast majority of Americans do live from paycheck to paycheck. Thank you for your channel!

[@TallulahBelle3276]

I am learning so much about your region of the world. Thank you for enlightening me. I’m fascinated and intrigued by the people. 💝🌎💝 Sending greetings n salutations from New York. Love and Peace to all. ☮️💝🌎💝☮️

[@__Ekaterina.]

И вам любви и мира из России 🤗😊

[@walkingbrazil2021]

Thanks for sharing

[@d.v4500]

Wow! I really appreciated the hard work you put to make such a top video! I really enjoyed getting to know different perspectives. I really wondered how was the salary in Moscow in comparison to other Russian cities

[@TKUA11]

Yeah I also have questions about how top federal officials can afford houses worth millions of dollars , whole getting salaries of around $100-200,000

[@glhf-zz5qs]

@@TKUA11 вам так это интересно из Украины?

[@margo7059]

@@TKUA11 Так Украина колония. Вот колоборантов и подкармливают. Ну и унитазы из Межигорья к себе повыносили)))

[@Xlife018]

I find it amusing how most people basically answered the same - they want 2x the money they are making already. So someone earning $400 is happy in $800. But someone making $2000 wants $4000. Just shows that it's less about the money itself, and more about human nature and how we slowly lose appreciation for what we have, and always want more.

[@KeithMichael0804]

@@ElifromRussia reality is that very very very few and maybe 1% are making $2000 across Russia . Go to the villages where most Russian are living

[@Xlife018]

@@ElifromRussia Absolutely Eli! Balance in all things - as it should be. And salary indeed is just a part of the puzzle. I've been through something similar myself and it made me realize that making money is basically an endless journey. The only way you feel satisfied is if you define what lifestyle you want and then just aim to earn enough for that!

[@RK-is1xp]

i wonder partly if its capitalist consumerist culture thatan lead to more people not satisfied and always wanting the latest thing. like chasing for more. its something thats quite interesting - look up Edward Bernays. he is the guy who started it in the us.

[@slava8617]

@@KeithMichael0804 that’s not true…Most Russians don’t live in the country/villages. They used to a long time ago. 75% of Russians live in the cities…I think it’s the same here in the US

[@williamgill_esq.6487]

It is the same in USA. I have read formal studies on this and almost everyone in the USA, no matter how much they earned per month, said they would be “happy” if they earned twice as much. Even the person earning $10,000 per month would say this.

[@MrMawnster]

Thanks for this

[@layarchannel1]

thanks for sharing this great video

[@badguy1481]

Wow! VERY informative. I don't think I've EVER seen such information before. You should be hired by one of Russia's TV networks!

[@you-know-who9023]

I agree but then we would lose out I hope she will be able to earn enough by building on her excellent work to date. Eli would then have more freedom to decide on topics. 😊

[@yellowcrocus]

Hands down, Eli is the best content creator of the year :D

[@gurpreetsingh-zg3km]

Hi

[@summerwest3099]

Eli's channel is wonderful.

[@annnee6818]

Thank you this was very interesting. It's fascinating how much the answers vary on "how much do you spend per month".

[@rhodium1096]

In Spain you pay 200 euros per month ( electricity) beside high taxes and housing in expensive due speculation! the average salary is 1000 euros/ month...but few people earn that amount of money because there are many unemployed and precarious hourly contracts!...

[@towaritch]

In France I pay 56€/month electricity for my house with the Swedish provider Vattenfall

[@sandor7594]

In Hungary ca. 20-25 euros/month electricity and ca 30-35 euros for gas. Average salary, yes 900~1200 euros

[@Citadin]

@@towaritch France has had a great nuclear power program, you should be paying even less if it wasn't for the government promotion of neoliberal policies transferring the country's wealth to foreign capital.

[@towaritch]

@@Citadin that's a Marxist analysis.Thanks but no thanks.There are already enough commies in France.

[@lesleystewart5882]

That's because Spain in EU.

[@sheerheartattacknightattheoper]

40% of Americans don’t have $400 in the bank for emergency expenses: Federal Reserve

[@pantasticodeniro9874]

Are you serious? How is that possible?

[@tazulislam7794]

Exactly and 100% Correct. So what is the point of make this Documentary? 22% Canadian are below Poor. 83% Canadian living pay cheque to pay Cheque. Which Country Nationality are you Elli??? Oil your own machine Elli.

[@tazulislam7794]

22% Canadian are below Poor. 66% Canadian living pay cheque to pay Cheque. Which Country Nationality are you Elli??? Oil your own machine Elli.

[@franknwogu4911]

thats still richer than russians

[@tazulislam7794]

@@franknwogu4911 US People living in Debt. 28 Trillion dollars Debt till now 2021 87% living people in pay cheque to pay cheque. Russia don't.

[@steverosanna]

I like the honesty of the people.

[@Wiseguy63]

I enjoyed your video. Money is not always the reason for happiness, but it is nice to live comfortably. I loved how people replied to the question. Your video is very nice, what is your background education? Thank you, I really enjoyed getting your tour, you are smart and that makes. Your video a lot more valuable

[@sogsog111]

Eli, thanks, very informative. Can you find out income of Russian farmers/workers from a few regions and sectors: farming, construction?

[@williamgill_esq.6487]

Excellent format for this edition. And good interviewing job! I am glad so many people agreed to be interviewed. It is very enlightening. Russians are very cool and down to earth people. 👍

[@williamgill_esq.6487]

@@ElifromRussia Yeah since Russians are more closed and private then Westerners especially Americans I figured you had to ask many people to get enough interviews for this video installment - especially since the questions are quite personal. But the ones you got were great! I liked those ladies from Perm!

[@VistaLatin]

Hello Eli, yes I subscribed, your videos are always informational, interesting, entertaining and basically connects us with your part of the world.... thanks again, Ernie