Manicurist's Budget in Vladivostok: High Costs, Steady Savings
Is it really possible to earn over 100,000 rubles (about $1,000 at current rates) in Vladivostok, and is that enough to live on? Despite statistics from Rosstat (the Russian Federal State Statistics Service) and data from analytical platforms showing an average salary of 115,000 rubles (about $1,150) in the capital of Primorsky Krai, not many people actually earn that much. We found individuals who meet this criterion and asked: «Is it enough?» One of them is manicurist Kristina Kobets, who says «yes,» but to do so, she really has to keep an eye on the money in her wallet because her expenses are not small.
Who is she?
Kristina lives alone, renting an apartment near the center. A simple one-room apartment, nothing extra or pompous. She works as a nail service master for herself: offering manicure and pedicure services. On average, she earns 120,000 rubles (about $1,200 at current rates) from her work—it all depends on the number of appointments, season, and unforeseen circumstances. She admits that she has no energy left for additional earnings.
Kristina lives with a cat, meets with friends, and travels when a rare opportunity allows. She mostly spends time at home, of which there isn«t much left after work. If she plans a vacation, she starts saving for it at least six months in advance.
Income
Kristina receives all her money only from her main job. Over 7 years, she has already learned in which periods she needs to tighten her belt a bit, and in which she can relax.
«Sometimes, when earnings decrease, anxiety rises. It seems like all the clients are in place, but everything still jumps around somehow. And sometimes it feels like I»ll die without money under a bridge, in a refrigerator box, together with my cat. But I pull myself together. What else is there to do? I physically can«t handle more clients or a second job. I»ve had that experience and realized it«s not doable. You can»t earn all the money, but I adapt to the main amount I have,« the girl explained.
Main Expenses
Kristina has many expenses. The main ones are: housing rent—26,000 rubles (about $260 at current rates), work space rent—20,000 rubles (about $200), car loan—14,000 rubles (about $140), help for her mom—whatever she can manage, and groceries—about 20,000 rubles (about $200). Also included in expenses is the monthly purchase of supplies for work—about 5,000–8,000 rubles (about $50–$80).
The rest—clothing, going out for entertainment—Kristina considers less important expenses. Every month, no matter what, she saves as much as she can at that moment: it doesn«t matter if it»s 1,000 or 15,000 rubles.
«It has just become a habit, I don»t care, even if only a thousand rubles is set aside, it already feels easier. I don«t have big savings because all the main earnings go exactly to these mandatory payments. But I have a small financial safety net. I try not to spend it, only in emergencies when I»m in a tight spot,« the interviewee shared.
The girl explained that a lot depends on maintaining things and treating them carefully. For example, she initially purchased quality work equipment so that it wouldn«t need to be replaced every year. Now, about once every six months, she performs maintenance, which is also part of the expenses, but not constant and planned. The cost varies from 10,000–15,000 rubles (about $100–$150). This approach largely helps reduce costs.
Another mandatory expense is her cat. About 5,000–6,000 rubles (about $50–$60) per month goes towards her upkeep, as she eats special food. Also, she has gastrointestinal issues. Litter for the litter box—920 rubles (about $9), the kind the cat uses without health problems.
«I live alone, I don»t run the washing machine every day, I rarely cook, mostly something quick, I don«t have a TV, only the laptop works. So utilities are small, about 1,500 rubles (about $15). Lately, I rarely drive the car. Before, I would fill it up for 1,700–1,800 rubles (about $17–$18)—that»s a full tank. Now I walk to work because parking is very tight here—both in courtyards and along the roads. And 75 rubles per hour is expensive. I might take a taxi, that«s about 3,500 rubles (about $35) per month maximum,» the girl concluded.
«Enough, but would like more»
Kristina admits that the money is enough for a calm life without turmoil. But unexpected sick leave, breakdowns, or troubles can throw her off track. She mentioned that last month she needed money for her mother«s examination—12,500 rubles (about $125) for a magnetic resonance imaging scan. That»s only half the amount; they split the cost with her brother.
«I would, of course, like to earn more, but I can»t work more, exactly in the field I«m in now. I physically can»t. My health won«t allow it. If I really dream, can I have 300,000 rubles, please, per month? I»m a modest person. It seems that, in principle, that would be enough. Then I«d save even more somewhere. Go to some spa. My dream. I»ve actually never been to one at all,« Kristina shared.
Last time, we talked with an artist who two years ago bought an apartment with a mortgage at the full rate and did renovations with what was left. And also with an ambulance worker, who supports the whole family by herself.
