Viewing topic: Accommodation, St P

Hi,

I've finally arranged employment in St P, based on a mid-June arrival. Okay, that's the easy part done. Next thing, accommodation.

Must say I'm still puzzled by the conflicting things I've heard about accommodation in the city. For example, a Russian friend in St P tells me that even a studio (if you're looking for something clean and reasonable) can cost 10,000 per month. A bit pricey, but do-able, I suppose.

At the same time, I know that the salaries that local Russians (as opposed to foreigners) receive are low. E.g. a junior doctor may, apparently, get no more than about 30,000 per month, so many other workers must be on far less.

Shome mishtake shurely. Accommodation costs are comparable to western Europe, and yet locals receive tiny salaries. Just for my own curiosity, how do the local populace manage? Do they all sleep twelve to a bed? Are they mostly owner-occupiers, who therefore don't need to worry about high rents? Do they live in poor-quality apartments, leaving all the better places to foreigners or property speculators?

Just wondered.

Damon

I'd say 10,000 is a pretty modest estimate for a decent studio flat in SPb, though a lot would depend on location.

A lot of people live with parents, inherit property from grandparents/parents, rent rooms, share, etc. Or just live with people that earn enough to rent

In September 2007, the average price for a one room/studio flat in the centre was 15,000 ($640). Prices are high in the suburbs too, especially if you live within walking distance of a metro station. The chances of finding your own place for 10,000? Almost zero I'd say. It might be possible, but is more an exception than a rule. For example, you might find something shitty at this price through an acquaintance.

The time at which you're looking also affects the price. End of Summer/early September is a nightmare. Prices rocket and good flats are hard to come by. I'd plan for 15,000 minimum, and anything less will be a pleasant surprise. Even the rent for a room in a komulnaka is a bit of a joke now.

How do Russians afford it? You're not supposed to live on your own, you and a whole family in a flat is quite usual here. The rest of them are stinking rich

Thanks for input on this. During ten years of teaching and travel, I've learnt two things, which most of you have also probably learnt. First, NEVER go on contract when you could be freelance. Second, NEVER get a flat through an agent when you could go direct to the landlord. (Following the second rule, e.g., got me a semi-luxurious flat in Hamburg for $400 per month inclusive, and later a similar place in Cannes.)

Could any of you recommend a particular nespaper or magazine as the best place to find ads from landlords - especially in the small flat/studio range? Needn't necessarily be in English, as I have Russian-speaking friends who will help me.

Thanks again for the help and advice.

Damon

Iz ruk v ruki - irr.ru

Try flatmates.ru as well

mememe is also 'in the know' on current prices, maybe ask him nicely to contribute to the thread

Just to let you know I am carrying out my VR duties!!

I've PM'd Hagen-Daz, sorry 'danhager' with my 2 cents worth...

As I pointed out to him, when it comes to renting, even the 'friends-of-friends' are getting greedier now....

Or perhaps I just don't have any real friends.... Mebbe I am merely the proud possessor of a lot of people who, over the years, have come to look upon me as just someone they know???

In summary - it's not cheap to rent in SPB (unless you wanna share your bed with cockroaches...)

...in fact, in the very poor flats there are no cockroaches...

The rentees have eaten 'em....

Cockroaches cost extra.

If I have to choose between sharing with cockroaches or ESL teachers, I'll probably take the roaches.

Experience has taught me that cockroaches are more likely to pick up their share of the tab in the pub

Quite right there - the tide has turned among VR users; instead of wanting to buy me a beer, the majority now expects me to pick up the tab!