In Russia, the share of people earning more than 100,000 rubles a month has been steadily rising. Reports from News highlight findings based on FinExpertiza data.
According to the data, 8.4 million Russians received salaries, benefits, or dividends above the 100,000-ruble mark per month in 2021, and the number grew to 10.9 million in 2022, an increase of 30.6%. In 2022, roughly one in thirteen Russians had a monthly income exceeding 100,000 rubles in nominal terms.
Experts caution that inflation must be factored in when assessing living standards. When adjusting for higher consumer prices, the share of people earning 100,000 rubles or more in terms of purchasing power remains nearly unchanged when viewed in 2022 price levels.
By way of comparison, the situation from a decade earlier shows different dynamics. In 2014, the group earning about 100,000 rubles in current terms equated to roughly 60,000 rubles at that time. That year, around 8% of the population fell into this income band, a share that was actually higher than the 2022 figure expressed in purchasing power terms, which stood at about 7.4%.
There have been recent political moves related to family policy as well. A proposal from the Fair Russia – For Truth party called on the head of government to explore parental payments for non-working mothers and fathers, signaling ongoing interest in how social transfers affect household income and consumption.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank has adjusted economic levers in response to inflationary pressures, with the key policy rate increasing to 8.5% in a bid to anchor price growth and stabilize macroeconomic conditions. This shift influences lending costs, savings, and the purchasing power of households across the country.
As analysts continue to monitor shifts in wages, benefits, and investment returns within Russia, the broader question remains: how do rising nominal incomes translate into real living standards when prices and rates move in tandem? While nominal figures show more Russians in higher income brackets, the impact on daily life depends on inflation, regional cost variations, and the evolving mix of earnings from work, pensions, and capital income. [citation: FinExpertiza]