How Much Food Can an Average Russian vs American Afford For a Median Salary?

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  • Опубліковано 9 вер 2024
  • Hi, guys! Today we are doing a comparison on food prices in Russia vs America. I was surprised about the prices in the cheapest store.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 614

  • @seekingwisdom8
    @seekingwisdom8 3 роки тому +85

    Videos like this are why I love the internet. It’s so educational learning the differences, yet also seeing how much things at least appear the same.

    • @keithcaserta
      @keithcaserta 3 роки тому +4

      Me too, Jim. Real people with real experiences. Always taken with an eye for possible deception, but these are real, comparative, information.

    • @acajudi100
      @acajudi100 3 роки тому +1

      I agree. I did travel from 20-73, but now I virtually travel the world, and I am in my 79th year.
      Great videos. hank you.
      FYI:
      Rents and utilities takes most of our income. I lived P2P, but I was happy to have the incomes.
      I was able to travel, buy what I wanted, and I do have a budget to this 79th year. I help non beggars help themselves, and I still saved.
      FYI:
      Thank you for your excellent videos and stay safe and blessed.
      Expose all of these Greedy Criminals!!!
      Thank you God for not making me a GREEDY and Dishonest crook. I paid my own rent, car notes, utilities , vacations, and I help non beggars help themselves.You reap what you sow, and stop thinking the rich, by hook or crook, are better than anyone else. God does not have favorites, and we go when the wagon comes. GREED and being HEARTLESS will and is destroying the world. Put a d before anger, and you get danger.
      SOLUTIONS: DEPORT to the wilderness of Alaska and Siberia one way, and harvest their organs.
      Decent people want to enjoy our cities, and we are not beggars, but want to earn our incomes.
      ALL LIVES MATTER!

  • @dianejordan1805
    @dianejordan1805 3 роки тому +27

    It is like a breath of fresh air seeing someone from a totally different country looking at where you live and prices of food when you think of all the homeless people in the world we should be grateful for what we have and Thankyou for letting us see how you live and shop

    • @gregoryking8574
      @gregoryking8574 2 роки тому +2

      In the same we can go to a doller tree 🌴

  • @normareedy1902
    @normareedy1902 3 роки тому +16

    She can walk to store at 10 pm at night safely. Awesome

    • @olgaluna6447
      @olgaluna6447 3 роки тому +3

      Stores work till 11 pm. Over the past 10-15 years it has become rather safe in the cities. In summer, many people walk with children and dogs pretty late, sometimes till midnight without any problems. There is such a system derived from the USSR that there must be a store or two\three within 5-10-minute walk from any dwelling house. For example, I have 3 stores (not too big but I can buy everything necessary there) in 5-minute walk and two stores in 10-minute walk from my building. And another 2 - 12 minute-walk.

    • @normareedy1902
      @normareedy1902 3 роки тому +1

      @@olgaluna6447 I never expected a reply. Thank you. You are so nice and I have learned a lot from you and your life in Russia. So pretty there. If you could make a video of people getting together and just having fun.

    • @olgaluna6447
      @olgaluna6447 3 роки тому +2

      @@normareedy1902 I don't know how to make videos, unfortunately. But there are many channels that show everyday life in Russia, for example Real Russia channel (in English) - the guy spends a lot of time outside in St. Petersburg and shows many restaurants, his meetings with people, stalling the streets, visiting concerts, etc. Or just google "walking in Moscow, St. Petersburg and you will find many channels.

    • @normareedy1902
      @normareedy1902 3 роки тому +1

      @@olgaluna6447 ok will check it out

    • @stevelennox8575
      @stevelennox8575 3 роки тому +1

      @@normareedy1902 May i recommend a channel ? A lovely young Russian couple ua-cam.com/channels/ZpOAIs1gWV76SEuzfGgG8w.html

  • @vernabryant2894
    @vernabryant2894 3 роки тому +7

    A lot of people living on Social Security live on 800.00 dollars a month.My husband and I are elderly in our 70s he makes 1700.00 a month and I live on 650.00 dollars a month.

  • @triatheletewolf7279
    @triatheletewolf7279 3 роки тому +53

    Harris Teeter is a fairly upscale grocery store in the south and mid Atlantic States (North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, and DC). A more reasonable comparison would be like Food Lion, Kroger, or Publix. Harris Teeter will be about 8-10% more expensive than these other stores.

    • @mvp019
      @mvp019 3 роки тому +6

      I think Publix is the most expensive of all of them based on the 2 near me.

    • @josephduke5186
      @josephduke5186 3 роки тому +8

      I was about to post a comment saying this exact thing. I lived in Moscow for a couple years and I think the equivalent would likely be Azbuka Vkusa which was definitely pricier than Karusel.

    • @mathildewesendonck7225
      @mathildewesendonck7225 3 роки тому +3

      But Karusel is also a bit more expensive than other shops in Russia

    • @Randilynn66
      @Randilynn66 3 роки тому +3

      Publix is expensive. I find it more expensive than Ralph’s in my area of SoCal

    • @rockhard9369
      @rockhard9369 3 роки тому +2

      @@Randilynn66 Ralph is very cheap and good quality, just get their store card, so you get good price. SoCal Stater Bros. is the cheapest. SoCal food is the most affordable in the USA, only housing, rents, insurance are expensive.

  • @annarainbow5508
    @annarainbow5508 3 роки тому +45

    This is so far from my usual viewing but i'm hooked now!

    • @barbaraturner200
      @barbaraturner200 3 роки тому +2

      Yes, me too.

    • @da959
      @da959 2 роки тому +2

      Amen .. This is totally interesting stuff! And, this young woman is absolutely beautiful. From what I see she's wearing no makeup{fake-up}. She presents herself exactly as who she is. I have nothing but respect for that. The whole price difference thing is absolutely fascinating as well. Heck I could live like a king over there..At least until my U.S. wages ran out...lol. Love it!

  • @bonitadannells3322
    @bonitadannells3322 3 роки тому +64

    Thank you for the comparison on food prices. My husband and I are retired, so we have time to grow a large vegetable garden. I make lots of pickles, sauces, spices, jam, fruits. I can and dehydrate food. I also make our bread, cookies, yogurt and cheese. We raise our own eggs. For a family of three adults, I spend approximately $100 per week for wholesome food. We do not eat out in restaurants, or buy fast food. I also make 9 half-gallon jars of 'Mead', a light alcoholic drink, from fruit I've foraged for free, like blackberries, huckleberries, elderberries and apples. These activities are fun, and save money.

    • @freshbeanne
      @freshbeanne 3 роки тому +11

      That seems high with all that homemade stuff you make and gardening yourself. You didn't say where you live?

    • @breel4769
      @breel4769 3 роки тому +7

      @@freshbeanne yeah I spend about $100/week for 4 people and I make nothing like she does haha 😂

    • @jimkirby9959
      @jimkirby9959 3 роки тому +7

      Here in Wisconsin, prices are so low that it seems they're giving the food away. It's the cheapest place I've lived and shopped (i.e., California, Iowa, Illinois, Munich, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro).
      Especially dairy, of course. Booze is surprisingly cheap. Whiskey at $16 for 1.75 liters, Wines at $14 for 5 liters. (32 5-oz glasses)
      Today the store had a $1 promotion. Pork bone-in roast for $1/pound, fresh salmon for $10/pound. And besides that, I the usual 5% discount for being over 60 years old!

    • @kfl611
      @kfl611 2 роки тому +1

      I want to come to your house and have a nice home style meal and wash it down with some home grown mead!

  • @sonyabush9513
    @sonyabush9513 3 роки тому +45

    I’m from St. Petersburg, Florida, would be interesting to compare both cities St. Petersburg in America and St. Petersburg in Russia

    • @thegreatest3371
      @thegreatest3371 3 роки тому +1

      Give her thousands of dollars to do it. Airfare, hotel, eating, in both countries.

    • @danrowley6934
      @danrowley6934 2 роки тому +3

      Now you know where your St. Petersburg (Florida) name came from.

  • @josephm8294
    @josephm8294 3 роки тому +7

    In America we use the word "pasta" instead of macaroni. Thanks for the great videos on culture, food, language, etc.

    • @marzsit9833
      @marzsit9833 3 роки тому +2

      true, but americans also call ramen noodles and egg noodles pasta which is not correct. in europe macaroni is a common way to describe italian pasta because most european countries have their own noodles.

  • @sr2291
    @sr2291 3 роки тому +49

    Food prices in America range from Okay to What?!? depending on which area you are shopping in.

    • @StPetersburgme
      @StPetersburgme  3 роки тому +7

      That is funny!

    • @INTEGRITY273
      @INTEGRITY273 3 роки тому +1

      So true, that is why I use Flipp app for comparison, and often wait for sales or deep discounts, for example one hour before store closes. They often have a lot of foods 50% off.

    • @jonadabtheunsightly
      @jonadabtheunsightly 3 роки тому +4

      Yeah, some of the US prices in the video seem absurdly high to me, but A) Charlotte is in the South, and I'm in the Midwest, so things like apples and cheese are local products here but not there, and also B) Charlotte is a much larger city than Galion, and food prices are consistently higher in big cities. On the other hand, the median income in Charlotte is about triple what it is here, so whatever.
      You do NOT want to see what the food prices are like in San Francisco or, heaven help you, Fairbanks.
      Also, many American households have a freezer and thus can buy meat when it's on sale. Prices fluctuate considerably from week to week. Chicken (which generally means chicken breast meat here; thighs and drumsticks are possible to buy, but not really the norm) can be $1.29/lb one week, $2.89/lb the next week. So buying it when it's on sale and keeping it in the freezer can make a very large difference in a household grocery budget. Pork products (ham, bacon, tenderloin chops, etc.) fluctuate even more than chicken. Ground beef less so, but still enough that buying it on sale is definitely worthwhile.

    • @ladywoodelf
      @ladywoodelf 3 роки тому +1

      @@jonadabtheunsightly ^^^ Exactly. Local and in season foods make a big price difference.

    • @rebeccam.7249
      @rebeccam.7249 3 роки тому +1

      @@StPetersburgme no it not funny but it true idt you got what this comment talking about

  • @KristinGrady
    @KristinGrady 3 роки тому +12

    I love seeing grocery stores in other countries. It's fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

  • @nicolea7328
    @nicolea7328 3 роки тому +9

    I love your channel. Thank you for teaching us new things, and I think it’s helpful for many people, especially Americans, to see how others live and to realize that Russians, and other nationalities, are human beings just like us. So many times our media feeds us terrible news and stereotypes about other countries, and it’s simply not true. You have a friend in Chicagoland! ❤️

  • @am3177
    @am3177 3 роки тому +3

    income in the west is much higher than Russia for example two persons in two big cities with same position in Los angles and Moscow can be considered: income 6000$ in LA vs 1500$ in Moscow but purchasing power isn’t much different when cost of living including medical insurance, tax on (income, real estate, automobile), cost of education, cost of daily transportation, cost of utility(electricity, heating, water, telephone, internet and maintenance), cost of entertainment, cost of groceries and cost of clothing are considered. Gross Income in LA is four times higher but when medical insurance and tax on income were deducted from gross income, 6000$ turn into less than 4000$ and in Moscow 1500$ turn into 1300$. Net income three times higher in LA than Moscow. Cost of groceries in LA 3 times, internet and telephone 10 times, electricity, heating, water and maintenance 3 times, entertainment 3 times, apartment rent 4 times and cost of transportation 5 times higher than Moscow.
    In Moscow, metro is cheap and accessible but Transportation in LA isn’t extensive, cheap and accessible like Moscow. In LA every one must buy a car because without a car anybody can’t live but in Moscow car isn’t necessary.
    Tax on real estate in LA is 10 times higher than Moscow. My relative pays 2500$ tax on real estate per month in LA.
    education is free in Moscow but in LA kindergarten and university are expensive. For example i know a professional person with 5000$ gross income in LA that must pays 1500$ for kindergarten of two child but in Moscow is free. if in LA net income is three times higher than Moscow but cost of living is much higher in LA too. Evaluations show Purchasing power in LA is better than western capitals like Paris, London and Berlin and i compared one of The best western cities with Moscow.
    Unfortunately some people in Russia and around the world only consider income of different countries and don’t evaluate purchasing power and real income.
    In Russia people can leave work and go to the vacation for 3 weeks a year with pay but in USA one weak without pay a year.
    In Russia government gives 10000$ for giving birth and 15000$ gift for first baby and a long pregnancy leave with pay but in USA nothing.

    • @StPetersburgme
      @StPetersburgme  3 роки тому

      I think you should really start thinking of moving to Moscow for permanent residence.

  • @timogronroos4642
    @timogronroos4642 3 роки тому +20

    GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is to change the geenes of the vegetables, growing them in greenhouse has nothing to do with that. Usually GMO is used to artificially make vegetables grow larger, stay fresh longer, grow faster, cope better with pests etc. For example in EU single marker it's not basically allowed at all.
    Nice you liked Finnish coffee, Paulig is good brand :)

    • @soberpickle8195
      @soberpickle8195 3 роки тому +1

      Our corn that is GMO has very little nutrition. I looked on a can of corn for the nutrient levels and was shocked. I am sure sweet corn and corn grown in the field is the same. But hey, you can spray it with roundup ( a weed killer that causes cancer) and it won't die.

    • @kfl611
      @kfl611 2 роки тому

      I know with gmo tomatoes (I think) they use it so they can travel long distances with out getting bruised, but unfortunately it also renders them, mealy and tasteless.

  • @yvansvideodonation
    @yvansvideodonation 2 роки тому +2

    It's a remarkable video reportage that you have created for every viewers who have never lived in Russia. I admire your drive and confidence to show your audience the true price and the living cost.

  • @bethbentley3736
    @bethbentley3736 3 роки тому +6

    I love getting to know you and Russia better. I feel like the more we know each other the more we have in common. And you are a real delight!!!

  • @Pixitic
    @Pixitic 3 роки тому +5

    Omg my husband and I live in Hawaii and we spend like $400/week on food...And anytime we try to spend less, its just so hard to do..But when looking at the basic items you got from the grocery store it opened my eyes to how you can survive on much less. I think the problem is we spend too much on non basic stuff like drinks, snacks, premade items, take out etc...I need help....I feel like i can be saving way more money with a better system.

    • @kfl611
      @kfl611 2 роки тому +3

      And I think a lot of your grocery items in Hawaii are imported, which would make them more expensive, than nonimported items.

  • @jacquielousbookqueue
    @jacquielousbookqueue 3 роки тому +9

    My son lived in Hawaii for a couple years and found the same issue at the grocery store each Sunday. The shelves would be pretty bare. Even here in Michigan since the lock down, we have items often out of stock. Your videos are very well planned and nice to watch.

    • @kellyemontana62
      @kellyemontana62 3 роки тому

      I live in Cody, WY, USA, which is not a super small town...10k... But we're last on the delivery line and not on an interstate so we have bare shelves quite a lot. It's not uncommon we'll be out of lots of produce or just one section of the store will be gone. We just have an Albertsons and a Walmart.

    • @glorymanheretosleep
      @glorymanheretosleep 2 роки тому +1

      @@kellyemontana62 The problem is you live in Wyoming.

    • @kfl611
      @kfl611 2 роки тому

      By me, it depends on what time of day you shop, and apparently what day you shop, as to if some shelves are bare or not. I think they restock the shelves at certain times, but I can never figure out when that is.

  • @INTEGRITY273
    @INTEGRITY273 3 роки тому +5

    I am so drawn to your videos, it must be your generous and kind person. Honestly, such peaceful,normal and magical at the same time.

  • @leahmaples6921
    @leahmaples6921 3 роки тому +11

    I just think you are the cutest thing. I hope with all my heart you have a good life.

  • @cliftontrain9304
    @cliftontrain9304 3 роки тому +23

    Thank you for showing how much money the average Russian makes a month...to many people think Russian prices are so cheap but aren’t aware as to how little they’re income is ...and hello from calgary Canada

    • @cliftontrain9304
      @cliftontrain9304 3 роки тому +1

      @@ambermyers5203 small world..hi

    • @StPetersburgme
      @StPetersburgme  3 роки тому +4

      Yes, the situation is very sad especially with sanctions.

    • @HarryCopperPot
      @HarryCopperPot 3 роки тому +1

      @@StPetersburgme I'm so sorry about the sanctions. I wish our government would stop doing sanctions as it mostly hurts innocent people. With love from Minnesota.

    • @bertibear1300
      @bertibear1300 3 роки тому

      @@HarryCopperPot why do people vote for corrupt politicians?Same in U.K.

    • @slavab9956
      @slavab9956 3 роки тому

      Actually, 500$ is rather humble salary for St.P.

  • @coloradomountain
    @coloradomountain 3 роки тому +9

    How about posting your grocery list with the approximate weight of each item and let the viewers shop in their local stores? It will be interesting to see how prices are different around the world for similar items.

    • @brettmanuel3440
      @brettmanuel3440 3 роки тому +2

      cool idea ... I'd do it here in Adelaide Australia :-)

  • @mathildewesendonck7225
    @mathildewesendonck7225 3 роки тому +7

    Prices in Germany are actually much the same as in the Russian store. If you like we can do a comparison shopping video 😊

  • @ARWest-bp4yb
    @ARWest-bp4yb 3 роки тому +13

    Hi Ksenia, always happy to see a new video from you! Prices and salaries vary quite a bit around the US. We live in the northeast where they are higher, but then so are the taxes. Thanks for another look at life in Russia!
    How about a video on the healthcare system over there? It's super expensive here, I'm sure that would be an interesting comparison.

    • @olgaluna6447
      @olgaluna6447 3 роки тому +3

      There is a double system of healthcare in Russia - free (state-sponsored and based on our taxes) and commercial. Taxes are the same all over the country. We pay 13%. One can choose which system to use and can combine it. As far as commercial system - you simply choose medical centers and/or doctors of your choice and necessity and go there. As far as the free medical system - there are state medical centers in every district (within 10-15 minutes of walk from any house), you can make an appointment to a doctor on-line and go there. Your family doctor can send you to specialized doctors and different procedures, to blood analysis, etc. They can be at the same medical center or at another one, largely in the next district (as not all medical centers have all necessary doctors and equipment). In the past it took people too long to spend in lines waiting for a doctor. Today it's much better, we make an appointment and come at a certain time. You can wait 5-10 minutes for your doctor on the average. For example, I use a free medical center most often for general purposes. I also have one commercial doctor who I have know for a long time and visit him from time to time (once or twice a year and pay about $25 or a visit, and receive free medicine from him). And I use commercial dentist. As you see, it's possible to combine two systems at a time. If you have tough times in terms of money, you can always resort to free medicine only. You can also have an operation free, however, there exist quotas on free operations and you need sign on a waiting list. Many people receive free operations rather fast, but there are still others who cannot wait and they can resort to commercial operations. Treatment in state hospitals is free as well. Many people and even the government criticize reforms of our medical system. But I'll tell you this - I lived in the USA for about 12 years. Russia's system is not perfect but more convenient and available for socially unprotected people, especially the level of a family doctors. Plus, the government subsidizes drugs for retired people. As far as hospitals - the US is better, but more expensive. Dentists in Russia are as good as in the US, particularly, the commercial ones, but much less expensive - their services cost approximately twice less. That's why Russians who live in the US often go to Russia to visit a dentist )) Also, many drugs are cheaper in Russia, except the exported ones.

    • @ARWest-bp4yb
      @ARWest-bp4yb 3 роки тому +4

      @@olgaluna6447 Thanks Olga, that's really interesting. It sounds like you have a pretty good system there. We have high premiums and deductibles that go up every year, and still have to wait to see the doctor! Even then the nurse practitioner does most of the work.
      My wife is Korean and there are some things she'll wait to get done when we go there.

    • @kfl611
      @kfl611 2 роки тому +2

      @@ARWest-bp4yb When I started my last job, 27 years ago the company I worked for allotted each person x amount of dollars towards their health care, if you added in extra people, like a spouse or children it would cost you more. When I started the company paid for 100 percent of my medical insurance. Now it costs me like 650.00 a month and that is with me paying 650 and the company paying 650......and I get 1 check up a year at the doctors........sounds like a total rip off to me. From Free to 650 a month.

  • @kajkob
    @kajkob 3 роки тому +47

    You have more than one friend in the US :)
    I watch multiple channels like yours and your English is excellent. It would be interesting to know how you learned the language. What resources do you use? How often did you/do you study? Why did you want to learn English? Does it help in your career? A video about this topic would be cool. Thanks

    • @dj-jn7qs
      @dj-jn7qs 3 роки тому +12

      Agreed, you have a lot of friends in the US.

    • @StPetersburgme
      @StPetersburgme  3 роки тому +24

      Thank you so much for your kind words!
      Ok. I will make a video on how I studied English. Many people ask the same question in comments.

    • @mvp019
      @mvp019 3 роки тому +17

      @@StPetersburgme Yes - I wish I could speak Russian half as well as you can speak English!

  • @hanliewells2649
    @hanliewells2649 3 роки тому +6

    Hi Ksenia, we absolutely enjoy your channel! Very interesting to see how beautiful and tidy your stores are. With kindest regards from South-Africa!! 💗🌿🕊

  • @finbarrsaunders
    @finbarrsaunders 3 роки тому +9

    You're so cute Kseniya :)
    We would say those spices came in jars or packets :)
    It was fascinating to see the low salary & high inflation in Russia compared to the UK where I live.
    In Russia it seems like you get a little bit more for your money, but you have much less money to play with.
    Thank you for another wonderful video! :)

  • @dianeallen98
    @dianeallen98 3 роки тому +3

    Thank you for your video. I have watched several of them so far and just came across your site today. I subscribed and now will be a regular viewer. Great video!

  • @mariemcclish2077
    @mariemcclish2077 3 роки тому +7

    Just found your channel it’s awesome so I joined sending hugs from California

  • @erikolson8553
    @erikolson8553 3 роки тому +5

    Hi Ksenia, I just happened on your channel and so glad I did. I love seeing other cultures and you do a wonderful job showing yours to the rest of the world. I'm learning a lot from you. Can't wait for your next video. I live in northern Canada so your cold and snowy videos are very familiar.

  • @jolevangelista
    @jolevangelista 3 роки тому +1

    One thing to remember though, in Canada and United States you get only 20-25% max of your salary after paying taxes, mortgage, utility bills, insurance etc... In Russia you get about 70-80%. So what you have to spend on food proportionate to salary in Russia higher. Now, lets get to numbers. Say your salary in US is 3000. You will only get $750 to buy food and other expenses. In Russia salary $600-800. Out of this your free money is $400-600.

  • @pickledpigknuckles6945
    @pickledpigknuckles6945 3 роки тому +19

    Harris teeter is actually an expensive grocery store to go to. most folks will go to wal-mart

    • @mvp019
      @mvp019 3 роки тому +3

      Yes, I was hoping he would use Food Lion for this comparison - I also live in Charlotte and I seldom go to Harris Teeter or Publix because they are more expensive.

    • @mvp019
      @mvp019 3 роки тому +4

      That said, I am glad Ksenia does such videos, because they are still very helpful.

    • @lijohnyoutube101
      @lijohnyoutube101 3 роки тому +4

      Grady, I think it depends greatly on your social circle as to your perception. Most people I know prefer not to shop at Walmart.

    • @mvp019
      @mvp019 3 роки тому +2

      @@lijohnyoutube101 I use Food Lion, not because I think they are that great, but they are only a half-mile from my house, and their prices are more in line with what I can afford. I have a WM about 3 miles away, but the whole WM experience is off-putting to me, and not worth the slightly lower prices. HT and Publix are much nicer stores, but I would say their prices are about 10-20% higher than Food Kitty - and I can't afford to pay that much more.

    • @bridgetnash2958
      @bridgetnash2958 3 роки тому

      I agree

  • @naps3386
    @naps3386 3 роки тому +3

    Our grocery stores get slammed on the weekends, so by Sunday night you can have many empty shelves (middle of Wisconsin)...especially around the 1st of the month when government welfare accounts get “magically refilled”. You can go to Walmart late at night on the last day of the month and see many people pushing huge shopping carts full of food, as soon as it rolls 12:01am they head for the checkout because their account got refilled...they are living that close to the edge. Give a man a fish, he eats for a day...

  • @lisaschreiber2893
    @lisaschreiber2893 3 роки тому +7

    very interesting!! personally I think your greenhouses doing it the way the dutch do is simply smart and efficient

  • @jennifersprout5834
    @jennifersprout5834 3 роки тому +9

    It would be interesting to have the list and we could shop around the US and give the totals!!

  • @fall22123
    @fall22123 3 роки тому +1

    Going to a grocery store is one of the most interesting things you can do in a new place. You had another video about your monthly expenses. They were a lot less than where I live. I live in a small city, approx 200,000 people in the northern US. Rent for a 2br apartment in a nice area is over $1000 a month. Utilities (heating gas, water, and electricity) are about $250 a month. They seem to even out in the winter and summer. In the winter you use a lot more gas to heat your house. In the summer you use a lot more electricity to cool your house.

  • @pickledpigknuckles6945
    @pickledpigknuckles6945 3 роки тому +24

    sometimes we find empty shelves incase of oncoming bad weather folks will raid the store shelves trying to buy up all the staple foods

    • @StPetersburgme
      @StPetersburgme  3 роки тому +3

      Oh, I see. Here I only heard of people buying everything away in April 2020.

    • @Kyle-mo7bd
      @Kyle-mo7bd 3 роки тому +2

      Sometimes the weather can be an issue. Right now in my local supermarket, there are signs saying some vegetables are unavailable or in short supply due to heavy rains in Spain affecting the farms. A lot of our food in the UK comes from mainland Europe.

    • @Kingsman4101
      @Kingsman4101 3 роки тому +4

      @@Kyle-mo7bd Yes for some strange reason, where i live in the US, if they forecast snow people run too the stores and buy up all the bread and milk.

    • @laylaanton1595
      @laylaanton1595 3 роки тому +1

      yes in Boston we still have bare shelves sometimes. Today I went shopping and many items were hard to find. I think they stock the shelves less frequently now

    • @carochan86
      @carochan86 3 роки тому +2

      @@Kingsman4101 and toilet paper.

  • @michaelreece458
    @michaelreece458 3 роки тому +1

    Wonderful video and price comparison. What's interesting is that the cost of living in Charlotte is quite a bit less overall than in other areas of the US. California for example is extremely expensive for everything. Remember also that rent, mortgage, etc is also very costly along with costly cars, health insurance, etc. The highest rate of bankruptcy occurs with a medical procedure or surgery....many here cannot afford health insurance and they can be wiped out with one hospital stay. Also college is extremely expensive....most graduates end up with $30,000-$50,000 student debt when they graduate. So it's all relative....$4500 a month salary here can be spent very quickly to pay bills. I really enjoy your channel, have a pleasant evening.

  • @kerrynball2734
    @kerrynball2734 3 роки тому +4

    I'm married to one Soviet Ksenishka for 22 years and could never find out any of this info. I thought it was Stalin's secret.

    • @kerrynball2734
      @kerrynball2734 3 роки тому

      @Jake Johansson It's certainly very difficult to compare. No self respectful Russian would every buy potatoes from a super market. And they measure their buying capacity in kg of sugar.

  • @lindah6954
    @lindah6954 3 роки тому +4

    If you have to walk to the stores. You need a granny cart. I used one for a year before I could drive.

  • @TheRavi4001
    @TheRavi4001 3 роки тому +1

    I think what you are doing is very interesting and has a lot of potential. You could prepare price packages for several things other than food , which is great, for several cities that have an influx or tourists that want to experience life in Russia. SO that they have something to start with in their travels and exploration. It will give visitors , tourists, students, others some level of confidence in planning their visit/trip and also as a starter to something more interesting. Perhaps for people like me who want to explore the countryside and hike. Good Job ! Keep it coming.

  • @YoBoyMarcus
    @YoBoyMarcus 3 роки тому +14

    Food prices are so reasonable in Europe. I'm always amazed when I visit. In Canada it's 3X more expensive. We really get scalped over her.

    • @davidfletcher4449
      @davidfletcher4449 3 роки тому

      especially for cheese and chicken

    • @norwegianblue2017
      @norwegianblue2017 3 роки тому +1

      Costco has really good prices on quality meats and cheeses (especially imported) compared to regular grocery stores.

    • @eefneleman9564
      @eefneleman9564 3 роки тому

      A lot of it is heavily subsidized, just to keep the industry going. That's why a lot of good food is also thrown away: overproduction.

    • @chrisoliva530
      @chrisoliva530 3 роки тому

      your prices are similar to here in Australia. Although maybe you guys are even a little more expensive...at least where I visited...Toronto. Although since we had bushfires and then covid our red meat prices have steadily gone through the roof.

  • @jamespayne8781
    @jamespayne8781 3 роки тому +3

    Thanks. I really like knowing the similarities and the differences between different countries. Incidentally we have half stocked or even empty shelves here in California from time to time. Mostly during the so called pandemic.

  • @californiaglo9666
    @californiaglo9666 3 роки тому +2

    Hello from California. I found your channel tonight. Loved the video and look forward to learning about your country.

  • @googleaccount6761
    @googleaccount6761 3 роки тому +2

    Not really bad, considering here in charlotte NC, you can't walk to a grocery store. It is a must to drive your car, so add in that expense as well. I was in Liningrad years ago during the soviet era and it was way worse back then. Much has improved over the years and I would love to revisit the city today.. good show and keep up the videos...I enjoy them alot!

  • @lindakennedy7700
    @lindakennedy7700 3 роки тому +2

    This was a very interesting video. Thank you for sharing it.

  • @arlettaoneill4436
    @arlettaoneill4436 3 роки тому +3

    I M from Alberta Canada 😊. I find your videos so interesting keep up the good work 👍

  • @mbd6054
    @mbd6054 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you for your excellent channel. May it grow from strength to strength. :)

  • @blueroadsroll
    @blueroadsroll 3 роки тому +3

    Good video, thanks Xenia! I appreciate your attention to detail. You look nice, I like the dress you chose to wear.

    • @StPetersburgme
      @StPetersburgme  3 роки тому +2

      Thank you for watching and your kind words!

  • @TheErwinalf
    @TheErwinalf 3 роки тому +5

    GMO --> Genetically Modified. What you describe is how the vegetables are grown. It's not a sponch, it's Rockwool. In a greenhouse vegetables and plants are mostly grown on Rockwool instead of soil. Water and nutrition are are mixed and fed to the plants mostly by automated drip systems. It works clean and quite good. The Dutch are kinda famous for using this technology for quite many years and it does not deteriorate the quality when done properly. Plants actually might benefit from this method. But, GMO means that the plants (with vegetables) are genetically enhanced. This can be done by breeding and crossing plants with favorable characteristics, or in labs. The first method is used for many centuries and is done everywhere on this planet. The second method is done by big companies like Monsanto. The last method has some questionable circumstances. But, I think it's save to say that all natural consumer products have been engineered at some point. Even the cows that give the milk are. So all natural foods or ingredients are GMO. 😉

    • @StPetersburgme
      @StPetersburgme  3 роки тому +1

      Erwin, thank you so much for such a detailed comment.
      I'm kinda scared of GM food. I hope that not all the kinds of food in Russia is GMO.

    • @sodinc
      @sodinc 3 роки тому

      @@StPetersburgme Yeah, this is a common mistake.

    • @Dutchbelg3
      @Dutchbelg3 3 роки тому +1

      OK I am a scientist and I am Dutch :-) Crossbreeding has nothing to do with genuine Genetic modification. Crossbreeding is selecting the best seedlings and use them to multiply to a next generation. It is just selecting the strongest individuals to make the next generation. It is just efficient agriculture. Same with cows : you select the cows that deliver the most milk and let them breed.
      Genetic modification is reprogramming the genetic code (DNA) and adding or replacing genes to introduce a "better" feature into the crops. There is nothing bad about it IF it renders a crop that is better resistant to draught or better resistant to crop diseases.
      It becomes wrong if the producer is introducing a change that does not enhance the natural features of the original plant. (Like Monsanto is introducing a resistance to a very dangerous chemical that kills all other plants and is even dangerous for the workers on the field... so the crop is growing but all other plants are killed along with insects ). Believe it or not a GMO does not taste different nor it is dangerous to eat. It only produces a crop that looks more perfect and untouched by the natural diseases and parasites. And surprise surprise: Europe does not allow GMO-derived food products !! GMO's are big in the USA and Latin America.
      For the people that think GMO - derived food is the devil: The same techniques are used for producing the therapeutics that save lives as Insulin, Factor VIII, Growth hormones (used in cancer therapy) and antibodies (immunotherapy) against for instance breast- and colon cancer. They are the reason more and more people survive diseases that were deadly in previous generations. And now save lives in COVID-19 times. Interesting detail: These "GMO" medicines are injected directly into the blood and food is broken down entirely in our metabolic system... so food is completely broken down before it gets into the bloodstream while the therapeutics we trust (and with all reason) are intact introduced directly in our blood.
      The lesson to be learned: Scientists are not aiming to harm you nor to kill you ;-) Only if the producer is only thinking about money and maximizing profit bad things come out of it. And luckily there are very few companies producing bad stuff and get away with it. :-)

    • @TheErwinalf
      @TheErwinalf 3 роки тому

      @@Dutchbelg3 for a scientist you should now that IF messing with DNA is good or bad is an opinion on an ethical question. And crossbreeding also is a way to mess with genes. A lot of opinion. A littlebit science. 🤔

    • @Dutchbelg3
      @Dutchbelg3 3 роки тому

      @@TheErwinalf : well that is your opinion. And that is fine. My comment is facts based on science.

  • @dalewatkins9889
    @dalewatkins9889 2 роки тому +1

    I live in western Canada, and we too can have a vast difference in food prices, depending on the stores you go to. We too have many choices of different foods, and some foods the stores even put a 'limit' on how many you can purchase, where the store tries to keep their prices low enough and limit the amount so that everyone can get the lower price. I believe the prices in Canada to be similar to the U.S., although many items would be much more expensive too, as for instance 'milk' is quite expensive in Canada, whereas in the U.S. it is much less, as are eggs and fruit juices. Thank you for the video, as it's appreciated with the time it takes to make the video and edit it, of which many don't realize the effort it takes to do them.

    • @kfl611
      @kfl611 2 роки тому

      Milk here in America now is very expensive, in my opinion. But I don't drink milk so it doesn't affect me much. I do use coffee creamer in my coffee.

  • @beverlyphillips8572
    @beverlyphillips8572 3 роки тому +1

    Hi from Florida! I enjoyed your video so much and it was very informative. I only found you a day or two by accident and so happy that I did. May I say right off that you should IGNORE negative comments on your videos...these people tend to be negative in general and find fault with about everything....I've had a lot of experience with commenters and so know how they are. Also pay no attention to the downvotes, some people will downvote the most perfect, innocent video like a puppy rescue shelter, this is pure meanness and should not be taken seriously. The other things I wanted to comment on are the wonderful coincidences in your video and my own life...I was born in Charlotte, NC! As was my mother and her mother before her. I didn't move away till I got married in my twenties (I'm a granny now). I moved to Florida 6 years ago when I retired from my job. I've lived in several places here...one of them was St Petersburg, FL just a few miles from where I live now! It was the name "St Petersburg" that drew me to your video as I thought, "St. Petersburg, FL!" But no....Russia which I was very pleased about as I have been following a married couple on UA-cam who live in the South part of Russia near Krasnodar.....they featured a mall there in one of their videos. I tend to be quite talkative so forgive me, I'm a granny who lives alone haha. Can hardly wait to watch more of your videos!

  • @albin2232
    @albin2232 3 роки тому +3

    Great video. Must have been a lot of work to make it. Thanks.

  • @ForTheLoveOfMike
    @ForTheLoveOfMike 3 роки тому +4

    So interesting!
    I love your videos ❤️
    Thank you for sharing ☺️

  • @lydialockhart9824
    @lydialockhart9824 2 роки тому +1

    We have empty shelves now. 1 year after your video. Thanks for doing your shopping with us!!!

  • @lolasmith644
    @lolasmith644 2 роки тому +1

    Hallo Zenya. I am only commenting to you because of the situation that we all find ourselves in. I hope you are not put off doing your videos as I enjoy seeing you lovely face every week. I do feel very sorry for you as I know that your standard of life will change. Lets hope that things get better soon. I just want to wish you all the very best and will keep watching out for you. Lots of Love from Lola Smith in Australia.

  • @edwood7741
    @edwood7741 3 роки тому +2

    Great video, very informative. Thanks! And now you have a friend in Oberlin, Ohio. Best wishes.

  • @halbous36
    @halbous36 3 роки тому +4

    GMO is geneticly modified ( in labs ) ....the technic you described is called soilless or hydroponic culture....and it's not related to GMO . it's perfectly safe , modern , and done everywhere , regarless to wheather ( it's huge in spain )

    • @cindygray8322
      @cindygray8322 3 роки тому +2

      i had a brother in law who grew hydroponic tomatoes and once asked why they don't call it "organic" and he states he cannot as that term is reserved for food grown in soil, not water and nutrients. Fascinating.

    • @StPetersburgme
      @StPetersburgme  3 роки тому

      Oh, thank you! I didn't know that. But I still hope that our food here is not GMO, at least not all food.

    • @halbous36
      @halbous36 3 роки тому

      @@StPetersburgme no risk Gmo seeds are crazy expensive to develop...only big corps can afford them !

  • @cathelinam9064
    @cathelinam9064 3 роки тому +29

    I'm willing to do an analysis with you on the next video. Kroger and Wal-Mart is a better comparison. I live in Denver, CO. 😃

    • @fum00A
      @fum00A 3 роки тому +1

      Agreed. Interestingly enough, Harris Teeter is a division of Kroger.

    • @julierauthshaw8556
      @julierauthshaw8556 3 роки тому

      Me too!

    • @BettyHorn
      @BettyHorn 3 роки тому

      I live in Aurora!

    • @ShanaLawson
      @ShanaLawson 3 роки тому

      @@fum00A it’s one of the “fancy Kroger’s” lol

    • @naps3386
      @naps3386 3 роки тому +2

      Aldi

  • @junelynn63
    @junelynn63 3 роки тому +3

    You seem to be such a nice lady you represent your country well, hope you get thousands of subscribers,Maryland USA

  • @idratherbeatthebeach4752
    @idratherbeatthebeach4752 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome video! Really neat to see the comparisons!

  • @OhTheGeekness
    @OhTheGeekness 3 роки тому +1

    So the average salary in Charlotte was about $4400 and in St Petersburg it was about $500 but I wonder what the income tax etc is like in St Petersburg. A person making $4400 in NC (I live about an hour from Charlotte) will probably get to keep about $3100 after taxes, social security etc. How does that compare in St Petersburg?

  • @ssilver5792
    @ssilver5792 3 роки тому +1

    Great channel. I enjoy learning the differences between life in Russia and the U.S. You have a nice way of communicating your ideas. Thank you!

  • @berylmadison2363
    @berylmadison2363 2 роки тому +1

    Fun video..and surprising..I really like the packages in Russian and the mixed spices for certain meats ..thank you and your friend in US...Many Blessings 🥰🌺🇺🇸

  • @moonpi4604
    @moonpi4604 3 роки тому +2

    Gmo means genetically modified organism. It has less to do with how the plant is raised and everything to do with the genetics of the crop. Plants grown by the method you described can be organic or genetically modified.

  • @joyful8072
    @joyful8072 3 роки тому +2

    It's always so interesting to see what people buy in other countries and how cheap or expensive it is. I'm wondering if you have those small carts on wheels that you can put your grocery shopping in so when you walk home or you ride the public transport it is not heavy for you. Congratulations on reaching over 5k subscribers.

  • @joannerobinson4360
    @joannerobinson4360 3 роки тому +1

    Just happened onto your channel and enjoyed it. I'm from Charlotte, NC all my like and I'm old.....hahaha I moved last year but I have family living there. So good you have a friend there.

  • @P.Wood-ef2gv
    @P.Wood-ef2gv 3 роки тому +1

    I love watching your videos. Lean so much from you and all the videos are so interesting. Thank you for sharing. Your smile is very contagious.

  • @rnman99
    @rnman99 3 роки тому +1

    I don't know how taxes and everything works in Russia, but someone in the US is not getting the whole 4439 a month. Take out taxes and insurance and it's probably more like 3500 a month, if not less.

  • @edwardmiller6883
    @edwardmiller6883 3 роки тому +2

    No shortages hete in Anchorage, Alaska. We had shortages last summer because of the pandemic. I was on a tour group to St Petersburg and Moscow, Russia last autumn. Found prices to be very low.

  • @mrandredparis
    @mrandredparis 3 роки тому +2

    I love the shirt you're wearing it's so beautiful! Thanks for the informative video

  • @sallyrunyon791
    @sallyrunyon791 3 роки тому +3

    Very few people make 3000.00 a month usually that is two people's salary husband and wife our food prices has tripled same as our electric prices

    • @naps3386
      @naps3386 3 роки тому

      That is not true. It is very easy for one person to make $15/hour ($30k per year) without anything more than a high skool diploma in the USA. There are pockets where there are exceptions, however for the vast majority of the USA it is easy to walk in and make much more than you say. Now if you are content to work for $8/hr at a fast food place...that’s on you, but the jobs are out there and MANY areas of the country just cannot find people WILLING to WORK.

    • @sallyrunyon791
      @sallyrunyon791 3 роки тому

      Andy this is true

  • @hollywebster6844
    @hollywebster6844 3 роки тому +4

    Harris Teeter can cost quite a bit more than other supermarkets. However, the US prices would still be higher, even if your friend shopped at a cheaper store.

    • @jan22150
      @jan22150 3 роки тому

      How much is the monthly income of a regular Russian citizen in you area of ST. Petersburg ?

  • @lienbijs1205
    @lienbijs1205 3 роки тому +3

    Maybe interesting to know: Russia is importing the B quality fruits and vegetables from the Netherlands. Nothing wrong with the fruits and vegetables but they are just not in perfect shape like cucumbers or apples not good shaped or undersized tomatoes. They are cheaper. I guess they import the B quality from other countries too. The C quality goes to the food industry. I see many examples at the fruit and vegetable section like the oranges of different sizes and shapes with ugly peels. Perfect to eat but in West Europe you'll never see these oranges in the supermarket, there you'll see spotless, perfect round all same sized oranges.

  • @nz1229
    @nz1229 3 роки тому +2

    One thing I think I notice is that shopping is a bit more laid back where you are with much less hustle and bustle but perhaps that is because you went late at night? Your shirt is really amazing and also like the ambience of your lighted tree! You have style.

  • @philw8704
    @philw8704 3 роки тому +2

    Grocery stores in St Petersburg look. Very similar to USA grocery stores. Some items were much less expensive, like fish but coffee was much more for the amount in a bag. Of course most grocery store chains in the USA price their items very close,, some little less for competition only price differences one may see is like New York more expensive to South Carolina less expensive due to the cost of living. Thanks for the video.
    Also, viewers should watch the advertisements even if they don’t like them since this is how she gets paid for her videos for being a sponsor :-)

  • @sjwolf3836
    @sjwolf3836 3 роки тому +1

    This may be my all time favorite youtube video. Your work with the greenhouses sounds interesting. I'd like to hear more about that. Best wishes.

  • @homebodysadventures2527
    @homebodysadventures2527 3 роки тому +2

    If you need more options for comparison I live in Atlanta, GA, USA. Love these comparison videos. Its very interesting.

  • @vl639
    @vl639 3 роки тому +2

    You’re a beautiful person and I love watching your videos.

  • @stevelennox8575
    @stevelennox8575 3 роки тому +1

    As a Canadian, I would gladly pay for AND carry your groceries Ksenia.

  • @lisalamb5448
    @lisalamb5448 3 роки тому +1

    Your channel is wonderful. I will be your 2nd friend in the US! 👯‍♀️
    Love from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! 🇷🇺 + 🇺🇸 = ♥️

  • @shortyinidaho4856
    @shortyinidaho4856 3 роки тому +1

    I think it's a food supply chain issue due to Covid... Your friend's store may have been well stocked, but other's in his area , not stocked as well. We've been having the issue of things not being on the shelves here in Idaho, and other areas of the country from time to time, If not gone from the shelves, usually limited in how many you can buy. Be blessed and be safe. I enjoy your channel. :)

  • @karenallen8476
    @karenallen8476 3 роки тому +1

    Hello from the UK, Thank you for your content, it is so interesting!

  • @paulinejensen7968
    @paulinejensen7968 3 роки тому +2

    Yes, I've only been to Russia once and I've always been fascinated with Russia and Eastern European culture. I love this. Keep up your goid work😄

    • @kfl611
      @kfl611 2 роки тому +2

      The videos I've seen on You Tube of typical Russian villages, could be anywhere in America. The country side basically looks very much the same, to me anyway. Ok, maybe more tropical areas in America might look different, than areas in Russia.

  • @GenXBecks
    @GenXBecks 3 роки тому +19

    I can see based on your other videos that you seem to live the same kind of life of a middle class, young, educated American. Nice apartment, freedom to shop at a median level, and aspirations to buy your own property. Sounds pretty close to how a lot of people live in the US.

  • @itsjustme843
    @itsjustme843 3 роки тому +1

    The empty shelves are even worse here in the states . Depending on the store you either buy what they have on the shelf or do without . And the prices in Russia are much more reasonable . Not cheap , reasonable . Here the prices are not even reasonable any more . But if you use coupons , then that will help you . Thanks for your channel . Its informative and its interesting . Please keep making videos about Russia 🇷🇺 . People in America are not slaves to the mainstream media and the politicians . I hope that people in Russia realize that . Thanks again for the video .

  • @sparky_1969
    @sparky_1969 3 роки тому +2

    I love to listen to Russian women speak!
    You surely have alot of friends here in America

  • @gvue4396
    @gvue4396 3 роки тому +2

    You should have a Q&A video where we can send you questions. Us Americans have alot of free time right now lol

  • @deannadove3505
    @deannadove3505 3 роки тому +1

    You have lots of American friends and I'm one of them. Your videos are very interesting and a joy to watch. To you in Russia with love!

  • @murdige
    @murdige 3 роки тому +1

    Great video! You’re so genuine as I have found all Russians that I have met to be. This was very interesting to see inside your supermarkets.

  • @pqrstsma2011
    @pqrstsma2011 3 роки тому +2

    oooh seeing all those brands on the shelves makes me miss my college days....
    one thing i'd like to point out; when i was in college in Тверь, we would go a few times a year to Москва, and i noticed that the prices for food were much higher in Moscow... for example, _пирог с картошкой_ was maybe 10-11 руб. in Тверь, same thing was 27-30 руб. в Москве... my point is, here in the US, i don't find such sharp price differences in food between New York and the smaller town i'm living in now

  • @mynewyork165
    @mynewyork165 3 роки тому +2

    The supermarket in my neighborhood does that too with the stocking. Sometimes when I go in the afternoon, I find empty shelves. So I end up getting a different kind of milk, for example. Then they fill it up later.

    • @LisaCupcake
      @LisaCupcake 3 роки тому

      Just tell them to go in the back and get more. That's what I do. If they have it in stock, I'm not making multiple trips just to buy groceries. lol

  • @mitachondria1
    @mitachondria1 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for the informative videos, I am from your sister city, St. Petersburg, Florida.

  • @josww2
    @josww2 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks for your vids, interesting to see what it's like in St. Petersburg

  • @user-cx2bk6pm2f
    @user-cx2bk6pm2f 2 роки тому

    Fascinating comparison, and very well done!

  • @ChampagneandWaffles
    @ChampagneandWaffles 3 роки тому

    Love your videos! You cover all of those “boring” but interesting topics I wonder about.

  • @jillsimmons110
    @jillsimmons110 2 роки тому

    I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. I APPRECIATE YOUR HARD WORK. THANK YOU!!!

  • @wecanonlywish9194
    @wecanonlywish9194 3 роки тому

    I so enjoy this channel !!
    Just an FYI to other watchers..
    I almost ALWAYS skip the ads on UA-cam, BUT I let the ads play on her channel. It's my understanding that UA-cam creators get paid when ads are WATCHED, instead of skipping through. If that's true..I'd like to help her make more money..😊

  • @JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers
    @JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers 3 роки тому +1

    Very informative video! Congratulations on 5k! 👏🎉

  • @elenagoldsborough3734
    @elenagoldsborough3734 3 роки тому +3

    In English, we would call the things your spices come in "packets." Nice video.

    • @marzsit9833
      @marzsit9833 3 роки тому +1

      in 'murican they are called packets, in england they would be called sachets.