Sunday, 06 January 2013 16:23 |
It was about two years ago when Belarusian economy faced with one of the most wasting crises in its history. No doubt devaluation of national currency influenced people’s wages. During these two years Belarusian’s salary has increased to about 500 USD per month, but in comparison with prices it’s enough for only one person’s average living.
Financial facility is an individual question, because someone can survive with 200$ per month but for others 1000$ isn’t enough. No doubt it depends on one’s needs, but higher are people’s wages – more they need and want. In Belarus if one have to live with 500$ a month it’s necessary to refuse from many pleasures such as expensive clothes, regular trips to other countries, visiting restaurants and so on.
Let's see if it’s possible to survive for 500$ budget. If you have a place to live in (with parents or in the hostel), there's no need to pay about 300$ for an apartment rent. But nevertheless it's necessary to pay the bills and a list of other payments:
- Municipal payments (water, electricity, heating) that vary from 20 to 40$ per month. Keep in mind that the government is currently compensating the best part of those fees, that’s why it’s so cheap.
- Don't forget to pay for internet and cell-phone: 20-30$.
- An average citizen in Belarus spends on food about 120-200$ per month. It is preferable to buy food in markets or on discounts. Of course you would not afford a lot of meat, fruits and vegetables.
- In case of using public transport be ready to pay for it 10-20$ every month.
- Buying only necessary not expensive clothes you will spend about 800-1000$ a year or 70-80$ a month.
- Entertainment: visiting a cafe, bar, theatre, cinema at least once a week, would cost 50-70$ per month. An average Belarusian would not visit high level restaurants or clubs.
Well, after we have paid for the most necessary things 300-450$, there's left some money for extra payments, savings or paying for credits. So, as it's seen above, one can live with a 500$ budget, spending it on the most important needs and even making some savings. But traveling or buying a car or an apartment is almost impossible. One question is left: is this life or just survival? |
Last Updated on Monday, 07 January 2013 00:45 |
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