St. Petersburg stands out as a top performer among Russian regions for income levels. The northern capital ranks eighth nationwide with people earning 2.55 times more than basic living costs. RIA Novosti experts created this ranking after comparing median wages to prices for essential goods and services. Russia's average ratio hit 2.4 last year, up from 1.9 the previous year. The Yamalo-Nenets region leads all areas with the highest score of 3.94.
Poverty rates across Russia dropped to record lows during 2024. About 7.2 percent of Russians live below the poverty line today. St. Petersburg and Yamalo-Nenets share the best results with just 3.5 percent of residents facing poverty. Tatarstan follows close behind at 3.8 percent poor residents. Moscow residents experience poverty at 4.1 percent rates despite high living costs.
Poverty rates across Russia dropped to record lows during 2024. About 7.2 percent of Russians live below the poverty line today. St. Petersburg and Yamalo-Nenets share the best results with just 3.5 percent of residents facing poverty. Tatarstan follows close behind at 3.8 percent poor residents. Moscow residents experience poverty at 4.1 percent rates despite high living costs.
