Job Discussion Forums

[spark93111]

Yes, I know this has probably been discussed numerous times here, but I'm new and can't grasp how anyone can live on 30,000 rubles a month in Moscow. I've been there several times and coffee and muffins were 25 bucks. Specifically, does anyone have insight into what a couple would do to live there without staying in shared housing?

I understand many of us aren't doing this for the money, but I don't want to have a 'huge' negative cash flow after my adventure.

Thanks for listening to me vent

[ancient_dweller]

you'll have to take a pass on $25 muffins!

[Houston]

These are my beginner observations, having been here 3 days.

1) Carry bottled water with you. YOu can buy big jugs of it for cheap at the grocery store, and then just fill up small bottles from that.

2) Buy street food, not restaurant food. You can grab a hotdog for like $2 or less. Also use the grocery stores.

3) Prepare to eat like the Russians, which means be prepared to not eat much.

4) Forget about luxuries.

[Sashadroogie]

Russians eat plenty, but they eat at home. Delicious stuff it is too. High street cafes are no indicator of relative costs of things. If you can, try to go to big supermarkets like Ashan. Much cheaper than local corner shops, but located on the outskirts of town.

Of course, the real answer is to earn more than 30,000 a month. Where on earth pays only that?

[spark93111]

Most of the jobs listed, I've seen on the internet, were for about 1000 bucks a month in Moscow. That wouldn't appear to be enough just from my few trips there. Is the pay higher in general than that?

[ancient_dweller]

i agree with sashadroogie, the food is damn good, and people seem to eat a lot! well, the few russians i have met insist that i 'biri' all the time...

the food is about the same price as in britain, the whole bulk discount thing hasn't really kicked off here though, so be prepared to pay the same or even more to buy more of the same product!

also buy a water filter jug and fill bottles from that, although, most work places have them...

those job offers for $1000 will include accom and so on... and also will be net of tax (tax is 30% i think for foreigners)

but, ye, easy to live on 30,000, i'm just hoping that i earn more soon!

[Sashadroogie]

Water filter jug is a good idea, but boil the water too! At least that's what my more informed local friends do.

Tax for foreigners is 30% initially, but later drops to 13%. Can't remember how it works - I think the reduction kicks in after you've been in the country for 6 months. However, your boss isn't really paying tax on your earnings anyway, so it doesn't impact on you at all.

If McSchools are still only paying about 1000, then you can see why most people ditch those places after a year. Having said that, I remember when they paid only 600 - 700. You can live OK, as your flat is provided, but you won't be able to fund a high life. Even with some private students. So, use your time well and look for another, better position for later. The pay is much higher once you get yourself some contacts built up etc.

Good luck.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

[Nexus]

30,000 Rubles/month (after housing costs of course) is a bit on the low side.

Although it might be tempting to go for the cheap street food, I wouldn't recommend it. Avoid things like the hot dogs and anything from small food vending kiosks (kebabs especially).

Even the innocent looking cheese pastries will get you in the end as hygiene is worse than dreadful. A friend mentioned recently that he looked into one of those places at night (when it was closed) and saw a bunch of rats running around the place.

[Sashadroogie]

[VladJR87]

[Sashadroogie]

Vodka is from Poland? Very disputed 'fact' that one in itself...

[VladJR87]

[ancient_dweller]

[ancient_dweller]