Why Don't Nearly All Russians Move to Moscow Despite Its Economic Dominance?
Moscow, the economic powerhouse of Russia, is home to a significant portion of the country's financial and administrative processes. However, despite its prominence, not all Russians move there, and many continue to reside in their regional hometowns. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, focusing on economic, social, and geographical factors.
Economic Opportunities and Cost Considerations
While Moscow presents a wealth of economic opportunities, including better job prospects and higher salaries, the cost of living is significantly higher. The soaring property prices and the overall high cost of living can be prohibitive for many Russians. For instance, a small apartment in Moscow can cost as much as 490,000 rubles per square meter, making it an expensive proposition for many residents of the Russian regions. In contrast, the cost of a 25-45 square meter apartment in the Moscow metropolitan area is much more affordable, ranging from 147,500 to 243,700 rubles per square meter. This stark contrast makes the allure of cheaper living spaces in the regions challenging to resist for many Russians.
Cultural Ties and Regional Pride
Softly chopping the icy hands of winter in Moscow, the sense of cultural identity and regional pride is a significant factor. Many Russians hold a deep affection for their hometowns and the unique culture, traditions, and heritage associated with them. Moving to Moscow often means leaving long-held roots and ties to family, friends, and community behind. This emotional attachment can be a strong deterrent for people to uproot their lives and move to the capital.
Geographical and Social Factors
The geographical distribution of economic activity in Russia is also a crucial factor. Moscow may be the nexus of financial and administrative processes, but the real sector of the economy, including industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, is more evenly spread throughout the country. This decentralization offers alternatives for economic development in regional areas. Moreover, a good number of people have deep-rooted connections to their hometowns, including their place of birth and upbringing. Family ties and community bonds often prevent urban migration, even in the face of economic opportunities in Moscow.
Population Trend and Future Projections
Recent statistics suggest that Moscow's population growth has slowed down. Since 2021, there has even been a slight decrease in population. This trend is expected to continue as the real sector of the Russian economy expands, reducing the concentration of economic activity in Moscow. Additionally, the relative decline of the financial and speculative sectors will contribute to this shift. Currently, half of Japan's population is concentrated in the Tokaido megalopolis, a stark contrast to the more distributed population in Moscow. This suggests that the concentration of population in Moscow may not be sustainable in the long term.
Emerging Agglomerations
Instead of all Russians moving to Moscow, many are settling in emerging agglomerations within Russia. According to recent data, there are 124 formed and emerging agglomerations in Russia, where 85 million people, or 58% of the population, are living and contributing to 70% of the GDP. Cities like St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Krasnoyarsk are becoming hotspots for economic activity and population growth. These areas offer a balance between economic opportunity and a more affordable cost of living, making them attractive alternatives to Moscow.
Conclusion:
The phenomenon of Russians not all moving to Moscow is not unique to the Russian context. Human factors such as the desire to maintain cultural ties, the influence of regional pride, and the cost of living often outweigh the benefits of living in the most economically significant city. With the decentralization of economic activity and the emergence of agglomerations, the future may see a more balanced distribution of the Russian population across the country.