Residents of Novosibirsk are increasingly vocal about the need for higher salaries to cope with the rising cost of living. Discussions are taking place online, sparked by a local businessman’s observations on the perceived unwillingness of young people to accept available job opportunities.

Many Novosibirsk residents argue that salaries in the range of 50,000 to 70,000 rubles are insufficient, particularly for young individuals without their own housing. High rental costs, coupled with rising prices for food, clothing, and other necessities, make it difficult to maintain a reasonable standard of living. Commentators point out that a significant portion of income is consumed by basic expenses, leaving little room for savings or discretionary spending. The burden is even greater for those with mortgage obligations.

The sentiment is that some employers prioritize their own profits, offering wages that do not adequately compensate employees for their labor.

However, not all residents agree with this assessment. Some believe that laziness and a lack of work ethic among young people are contributing factors to the problem. These commentators suggest that some young adults are content to remain dependent on their parents, lacking the drive to seek employment and contribute to the workforce. They contrast this with a perceived stronger work ethic in the past, where individuals were more willing to engage in manual labor and contribute to industries such as construction and manufacturing.

It was recently reported that the average salary in the Novosibirsk region is approaching 80,000 rubles.