Moving to the Balkans: A Drop in Living Standards or a New Perspective on Comfort?
Stereotypes about Moving: Did We Lower Our Standard of Living?
This line of thought began with an unpleasant comment that used the word 'pauper.' It prompted a reflection on the common belief that moving to the Balkans is a step down in quality of life. A journey that started in Krasnodar continued in Montenegro in 2021 and led to Serbia in 2023. This entire experience has served as a basis for analysis: has the standard of living really declined?
The question turned out to be deeper than just a personal opinion. It touches on stereotypes about 'prestigious' and 'non-prestigious' countries for immigration. People often think that if someone couldn't afford a 'proper country,' they choose the Balkans. But is this really the case, and what is meant by the term 'proper country'?
Country Rankings for Immigration: Popular vs. Accessible
In the public consciousness, there is a conventional list of hyped-up countries for relocation. Just five years ago, Balkan countries were considered the least prestigious destination for relocation, while other states topped the wish lists.
A conventional ranking of popular countries looks something like this:
- USA
- Germany
- Canada
The Balkan countries are not on this list. They are considered less prestigious, possibly due to their greater accessibility. This view creates a biased attitude in many people, not based on the real experience of living in the region.
The Housing Question: Space, Comfort, and Price
One of the key indicators of living standards is housing. When preparing to move from Russia, many expect a loss in comfort and a reduction in living space. However, reality can be different. For example, a 110-square-meter apartment in Krasnodar was replaced by a 140-square-meter home in Montenegro with better renovations.
For comparison, in the prestigious countries of Western Europe, the housing situation is more complicated. Renting a questionable apartment in a Berlin suburb can cost around 2,000 euros, and you'll have to compete with several other families and go through a kind of 'casting' with the landlord. Additionally, there might be heating restrictions in winter due to energy conservation.
In the Balkans, however, the rental process is much simpler: you can arrive, view a few options, choose the one you like, and move in immediately. This applies to both the availability and the quality of the housing itself, which directly affects daily comfort.
Food Quality: What Changes on the Table?
The next important aspect is food quality. Upon moving to Montenegro, a significant difference in product quality was immediately noticeable. Children who hadn't drunk milk in Russia for about two years started consuming it again here, and in large quantities. The local sour cream is so thick that a spoon literally stands up in it.
In general, both Serbian and other European products available here are of high quality. Unlike in some 'top' countries, like the USA, there is no pressing need to choose between GMO products and significantly more expensive 'eco' alternatives. Quality, natural food is the norm.
Leisure and Safety as an Integral Part of Comfort
The standard of living is determined not only by basic needs but also by opportunities for leisure and a sense of security. For example, going to a restaurant. In Serbia or Montenegro, this is an affordable and regular activity, not a rare event as it might be in countries where a dinner at an establishment with live music and a good atmosphere can cost an astronomical amount.
Safety is another critically important factor. In the Balkans, there's no such thing as 'bad neighborhoods' that you can't enter. You don't have to worry about someone from a high-crime area coming into yours. You can safely leave your car unlocked, which creates a completely different sense of freedom and peace of mind.
Conclusions: What is the Real Standard of Living?
So, has the standard of living declined? If you evaluate it based on key parameters rather than the abstract 'prestige' of a country, the answer is no. On the contrary, in many respects, life has become more comfortable and of higher quality.
- Comfortable and affordable housing
- High-quality and natural food products
- A high level of personal safety
- Accessibility of leisure and entertainment
Ultimately, it is these aspects that shape daily well-being, and in this regard, moving to the Balkans can be not a step back, but a significant step forward.
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