A journalist from MSK1.RU conducted an experiment to see if it’s possible for a working person without children or pets to live in Moscow on just 1,000 rubles a day. The experiment involved meticulously tracking expenses and making tough choices to stay within budget. The results showed that while it is possible to survive, it requires strict financial discipline and significant sacrifices.

The experiment began with a budget of 7,000 rubles for a five-day work week, immediately reduced by transportation costs. Commuting from Krasnogorsk required using a minibus and the metro, totaling 1,300 rubles for the week. An unexpected expense arose when the journalist had to contribute 2,000 rubles to a colleague’s birthday gift, further tightening the budget.

Food expenses were carefully managed, with the journalist initially relying on the office cafeteria’s cheapest options. However, this proved unsustainable, leading to grocery shopping for budget-friendly options like instant mashed potatoes and dumplings. The journalist also experimented with cooking at home to save money, preparing dishes like mashed potatoes, chops in tomato sauce, and pasta Bolognese.

The journalist faced challenges on the weekend, as the transport budget was only calculated for the working week, leaving the “exclusion zone” financially unprofitable. Tempted by the sight of cakes, she had to sadly drag herself to a chain store.

Despite the limitations, the journalist managed to find ways to cope. By the end of the week, she had even lost a few kilograms, improved her financial literacy, and become more mindful of price tags. The journalist concluded that while living on 1,000 rubles a day in Moscow is possible, it requires constant vigilance, careful planning, and a willingness to forgo many of life’s luxuries.