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There is a lot of confusion about Russian wages (and even more about total income), because a big part is paid "in envelopes" to avoid taxes. They can only be estimated.
jeffpv, who lived in Vladivostok for years, before returning to Minnessota, claims that in his company there were no grey salaries, so he can't accept any estimates.
I checked his company's wages - by consumption PPP (OECD's) they are pretty close to Minneapolis - $16 minimum vs $22 Minneapolis average.
Plus we get uber-expensive housing for free - the situation that Jeff for some reason calls unfair.
$25,000 for a second child born or adopted. Plus $1000+ one-time payments per child born.
Free kindergarten (3+).
Free universities.
Different subsidies - such as $200/month (for 1.5 or 3 years only, though) for a first child, $350 for a 2nd+, more for the poor (up to $500/month per underage child).
Cheap healthcare (we've got a hybrid system, so there's both free and paid - but paid is cheap, compared to US). According to WHO quality is just as bad as in US.
Pension fund payments are already substructed from that wage.
Zero unemployment.
Nominal property taxes.
I can't really say if people (in this exact profession or overall) in Vladivostok are richer than in Minneapolis, but one thing is obvious - numbers don't look too bad.
What can I say - Russians are probably one of the richest people in the world. Free housing, free education, generous demographic improvment programs, good salaries, dept free, grey salaries, nice and cheap healthcare.
My projection - in the period of the next ten years half of the western world will emigrate to Russia. And Vladivostok will be renamed Washingtonstok.
I'm sorry, was there a question in there somewhere?
By the way, the second child credit (it's not cash) is approximately 350,000 rubles; this is not $25K USD. I should know because we received it after our second son was born.
The public kindergartens (don't bother with ridiculous pictures, ROL) are almost entirely in poor condition or overcrowded. We paid 14,000 rubles/month for a decent, private, one.
Universities can be free. But they can be free in the USA, too.
No, people are not as rich in Vladivostok as they are in Minneapolis. But so?
Finally, again, was there a question in there somewhere?
Moderator cut: Please, no name calling. taught you to avoid details? Construction workers damaged the wall, and it collapsed. Nobody was harmed. The building is restored:
Purchasing Power Parities for actual individual consumption
Russia, 2011: 15.9
= $24,379
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The public kindergartens (don't bother with ridiculous pictures, ROL) are almost entirely in poor condition or overcrowded.
I'll post a couple pics, since not all people share your definition of a poor condition, and since your knowledge of Vladivostok doesn't apply to 2012.
In Soviet Russia, standard worker's salary 2000 rubles a month, which is equal to about $10 at current exchange rates. Might sound very bad but bag of potatoes only 5 cent bottle of vodka only 3 cent nice steak at restaurant 20 cents.
Purchasing Power Parities for actual individual consumption
Russia, 2011: 15.9
= $24,379
I'll post a couple pics, since not all people share your definition of a poor condition, and since your knowledge of Vladivostok doesn't apply to 2012.
All Russian universities are free, provide housing for non-local students, and stipends - albeit small.
I left on March 30th of 2012. You act if I haven't been there since Brezhnev. Sheesh.
We looked at well over a dozen public day cares, and while a couple were updated, they were packed to the gills. So, like I said, they were either in bad condition or were overflowing with children. Do you have children of that age? I suspect not.
Not all university is free in Russia. That's simply untrue.
I'll say this, let the fools doubt Russia. In ten years when Russia's nasty image is shaved off we'll be the ones laughing.
I'm not doubting Russia. I'm unclear how Russia will maintain its economy after the oil runs out, but I hope they can diversify and do well. After all, my in-laws are there, and I only want the best for them.
One doesn't have to be a sycophant in order to be for something.
I left on March 30th of 2012. You act if I haven't been there since Brezhnev. Sheesh.
I don't care about your personal life - you behave, as if all your knowledge is at least from 10 years ago. Schools in ugly conditions, that in reality look pretty nice. AIDS department for kids, that was renovated a few years ago, and then again this year. Now kindergartens.
In 2011 9.7% in Primorye required renovation. Today less than that.
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So, like I said, they were either in bad condition
Since you do not explain your meaning of a bad condition, lets consider the ones on photos bad.
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or were overflowing with children.
Big schools is a huge plus, but big kindergartens are bad... You sure you are being logical?
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Not all university is free in Russia. That's simply untrue.
Sure, there are a couple privates...
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I'm not doubting Russia. I'm unclear how Russia will maintain its economy after the oil runs out, but I hope they can diversify and do well.
Oil is important, but quite a bit overrated. It fuels growth.
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