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Daily life for the majority of Russians is not much different to life in other western countries, at least when it comes to the big cities. Most people work from 8 to 9 in the morning until 5:00 to 6:00 in the evenings and use public transportation. (All the major Russian cities have an excellent transportation system comprised of buses and metro lines. Most Russians dress with the latest European labels.
However, daily life in the smaller Russian cities is a different story.
Salaries are lower and people do not have the same choice of consumer products that they would in the larger cities and certainly in cities like Moscow, Leningrad and St. Petersburg. People also tend to shop at outdoor markets (which work even in winter) rather than in more expensive shopping centers and stores.
Like most peoples, Russians are very dependant on their families. For housing they usually sharing a small apartment with at least one other generation.
Many children even live with their parents after they get married. This phenomenon is a hold over from "Soviet times" because people usually received their apartments from free from the government.
While it is possible to buy an apartment nowadays, prices are prohibitive for most middle-class workers. Even renting is difficult for most people, especially if one considers that is common for Russians get married before the age of 22 and before they are financially independent.
Exercise in Russia is an important part of the Russian lifestyle and many people, especially the younger generations, exercise regularly. Member ship in a health or fitness club is common as is daily walks. Running is becoming more popular in Russia even in subzero temperatures.
Dining out at local restaurants is expensive, but young people regularly partake in Russian night life frequently enjoying their favorite night clubs. Bowling and going to movie theaters is quite the norm
Ballet, opera, and other live performances in Russian theatres are much more affordable for most Russians, and even those on a small salary enjoy the arts. Most cities, even the smallest ones, have a good variety of entertainment options, usually at the level of any European capital.
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