Moving to the Balkans: A Downgrade in Living Standards or New Comfort?
Stereotypes About Moving to the Balkans
The story of moving from Krasnodar to Montenegro in 2021, and then to Serbia in 2023, is often met with questions about the prestige of such a choice. There is a perception that Balkan countries are not top emigration destinations, unlike the USA, Germany, or Canada.
Some perceive such a choice as a forced one, made due to a lack of funds to move to a 'normal' country. Criticism is often heard that such a relocation is a conscious lowering of one's own standard of living.
However, if we break down and compare the key aspects of daily life in detail, the picture can be completely different. The examination begins with basic needs to understand if there is truly a loss in quality of life.
Housing: Expectations vs. Reality
One of the main fears when moving was the potential loss of comfort in living conditions. It was expected that we would have to settle for a smaller apartment. In reality, after moving from a 110 sq.m apartment in Krasnodar, the family rented a 140 sq.m house in Montenegro with good renovations.
This house was just a two-minute drive from the sea and a large supermarket, and also had two parking spaces. The rental process was extremely simple: we looked at it, liked it, paid, and moved in, without any complicated procedures or 'castings'.
This experience contrasts sharply with the situation in some Western European countries, where the rental process can be much more complicated:
- For a questionable apartment in the suburbs of a major city like Berlin, you might pay around 2000 euros.
- Landlords often hold 'castings,' choosing from 5-6 interested families.
- There can be strict rules, for example, regarding heating temperatures in the winter.
Food Quality: An Unexpected Discovery
| Category | Description in the Balkans | Description in other countries |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy products | High quality by default; children who previously refused milk started drinking it. | In Russia, the quality was questionable. |
| Overall quality | Products are perceived as natural and high-quality. | In the USA, there is a clear division between expensive 'eco' products and more affordable GMOs. |
The next important aspect is food. Immediately after moving to Montenegro, a drastic difference in product quality became noticeable. For example, the children, who hadn't drunk milk for about two years in Russia, started consuming it in large quantities here.
The local sour cream turned out to be so thick that a spoon literally stands up in it. This is just one example demonstrating the overall high quality of local food products.
Thus, in terms of food, moving to the Balkans turned out to be not a downgrade, but a significant improvement in the standard of living.
Safety and Social Environment
Safety is another key factor for a comfortable life. In major cities of 'prestigious' countries, there are often disadvantaged or even criminal neighborhoods that are not recommended to enter. This creates a certain tension and limits freedom of movement.
In the Balkans, as in most CIS countries, the concept of a 'bad neighborhood' practically does not exist. Of course, there are more and less wealthy quarters, but there are no areas that are dangerous to enter. This creates a sense of general safety, where you don't have to constantly worry about which part of the city you are in.
This factor also directly affects the choice of a school for children. The absence of criminal districts means you don't have to worry about a school's low rating due to its location. Overall, the social environment feels more homogeneous and safer.
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