I can say that this is a standard type of apartments in Russia as I've changed a lot of them in my life. So, guys, what do you think about Russian apartments?
we would call that an efficiency apartment in the usa.. we would call you a minimalist... we have lots of things in the usa... i like your rent prices... do you have lots of crime? i enjoy your videos
Thank you for your comment! There is of course crime in Russian cities. The statistics say crime level decreases. I think one should be careful, especially on the road.
I appreciate getting to see your apartment. Yes, small, but also not very much storage. That would be difficult. To have a very nice attitude! Thank you for sharing!
You keep your apartment beautifully tidy and clean. I live in an old farmhouse in Australia by myself, so l offer my four bedrooms to migrants who need a place to stay till they get themselves established and can afford their own place to live. I have never had a Russian guest as yet, but I hope one day I do. Best wishes to you and thankyou for a look into your world.
I agree... Her apartment is so nice. Not that small.. Other than lacking a small living room...its gorgeous. It would easily cost over $900.00--$1,600 here for that size here if a one bedroom and her room used as living room. In NYC it would be over $2,000! Its fun to see other places around the world.
@@anitajinfla9762 Her apartment would be an awesome bargain for just one person. It would cost about $450 here in Augusta, Georgia. Funny how hearing what they cost in big US cities IS like hearing about another land compared to much smaller cities.
I watch International House-hunters on HGTV almost daily but you don’t see how the average person lives because most of the people are moving country because of job relocations.
I am with you on the drying my clothes out. I can't afford a dryer right now, but will hang clothes inside during the winter. It takes a bit more time but saves money. England has their toilets in a seperate room too- at least in the ones that I visited. Nice video, thank you for posting.
The apartment I grew up in Moscow was similar. A three bedroom but no living room, and the toilet was it’s own tiny room separate from the bath/sink room. We had a mini washer and hung clothes to dry. And two of the bedrooms had balconies as well.
We live like people around the world: we get born, we go to schools, we find friends, we fall in love, we go to universities, then to work. We cry, we love, we laugh. All the same.
I’ve always wanted to see St Petersburg.... It’s always interesting seeing how others live in different parts of the world. Enjoyed. Your video, and your English is amazingly very well. Thank you for sharing this video, and a part of your life, very enjoyable...
Hello, I'm from Québec, Canada ( french Canadian). This is very nicely explain and shown. I'm curious about Russian life in actual years. Keep going! Thanks you.
Thank you so much for inviting us in! Interesting that a living room isn't automatic. So I learned something today. You speak beautiful English and make a lovely host.
After being away for 8 years I am returning to live in Peter - I miss my city so much. Previously I lived there for 10 years when I worked at the State University - thank you for showing your apartment
This was so interesting to me! Thank you so much for sharing your apartment. We adopted our daughter from Russia so I am always interested in your way of life.
Thank you so much for sharing your home with us! It's really amazing how much we have in common, despite living worlds apart. It's wonderful to see that. I certainly wish homes in America were priced better though!
I'm 68 years old and have only spent 6 years of my life in apartments (when we were first married). It's been a long time, but I do look at apartment ads on line. The apartments we rented had a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, with a lot of built in storage. About 700 square feet. I think most apartments near me now are like that, although for families, it is possible to find 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments. It was very kind of you to show us your apartment. Your cats are beautiful. I think an apartment like yours would most likely be found in the very old apartment buildings of New York City.
I truly enjoyed this as interested in how people live in other countries. I can assume that many younger people learn English as well as knowing Russian. I keep finding out that no matter where you live human being are pretty much the same. Thank you so much from the USA.
@@Natashanjka Same in the US. Most Americans only speak English. I would love to learn to speak Russian. My father did, along with Swedish, French, German, Estonian and Italian, however he was an immigrant.
@@katperson1955 well, if you want to start learning Russian you can check playlists on my channel. There are different playlists with live classes for Russian learners.
You gave a lovely tour of your apartment. I would describe it as a two room apartment with a kitchen, not the normal setup in the USA. A studio apartment has one main room plus a kitchen area and a bathroom. A one bedroom apartment has a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Some two bedroom apartments have a bathroom also off of the master bedroom as well as the main bathroom. A huge difference between our countries is the heating situation; heat is available 12 months of the year, controlled by the apartment dwellers. I live in what is called a 2 bedroom bungalow with a lovely small front yard and an ample backyard. My house was built in 1920 and needs many upgrades but I love it.
Thanks for taking us on a tour of Russia. Very interesting, we live in USA. It’s great getting to actually see the apartments and the history and how you explain the details and prices. You speak English very well. Your cats are adorable. Hope you continue making your videos.
My wife and I live in California, USA and pay 116,635.49 rubles for a one bedroom apt. with 700 sq. ft. (65 sq. meters). It is comfortable. It is not fancy. Thank you for showing us. There are so many differences in your apt. Very interesting.
You're very kind to show us your apartment. Here in Houston, Texas, US, a one bedroom, kitchen, and living room rents for $1000 US dollars. These are not luxury apartments, just normal middle class apartments. Please tell us more about your life in Russia. Jobs, etc.
Very, very beautiful! Here in big cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles an apartment like yours would cost $2,500-3,000 USD each month....yes thousands of dollars. In Manhattan only the very wealthy could afford an apartment of that size. Excellent video, thank you for sharing.
In rural Americai, we winterize windows on older homes with plastic sheeting and quilts behind the regular curtains. It becomes dark and cozy inside, unless the sun is shining. Then we open the curtains to get the greenhouse effect. This is all done to reduce drafts and save on heating costs, or to just stretch the propane supply through the winter. We use woodstoves in our home and gather firewood all year from the property.
Radiant heat on the outaide wall is a great feature there, it looks like. I had the save in North Dakota for years and it was a game changer. Forced air heat is so inefficient compared to radiant.
I hated holding the plastic wrap up so my mom could tape it on the window frame/sill . however, the one thing I liked to watch was the bubble from all the outside air getting in. (inflate, -- deflate -- repeat) Ok ok ok, Yeah.... I know, As a child, I was easily entertained.
Well if this will make you feel better we here in New York City area have literally one bedroom the size of where you or your roommate sleeps for about 2300 a month. We also have Landlords that don’t do nothing just wants the money we called them slumlords. 😭👍
$340 for, basically, a 3 room apartment plus utilities, is a fairly good deal by USA standards. Thank you for this video. It’s very interesting to see this kind of information and cost for what is basic living arrangements for the average person. Very informative.
Thank you for the guided tour. Apparently St Petersburg has a half a million citizens who live in communal apartments, a holdover from soviet times. It would be interesting to get an insight into that uniquely russian way of living.
Are salaries and taxes equal to what a similar job would pay in the US? While the rent is inexpensive compared to US, is it the same % of a renter’s income?
that's what I was thinking. In the US it's so hard to find an apartment that even allows 1 cat/pet. if you are lucky the limit is 2 and fees, $20-$100 and I've seen some apartments charging as high as $200 fee for big dogs (a month)
@@nuanced8225 : I'm talking to you in my second language. My first language is German. If you count Swabian, German is my second language :D. So, yes I'm fluently in English and I have less accent than her, still I think my English is not good enough to raise my children in English properly.
Enjoyed the tour of your apartment. Giving us a glimpse of life in Russia. I commend you on your English. Well done. Plus, loved having your cat giving her opinion . We talk for our cats also. Great job.
Thankyou for allowing me into your standard Russian apartment,I'm from Sydney Australia and I must admit, apartments in Australia are bigger in general....by the way loved your two cats. I love watching videos of other countries,their culture is always interesting
I have always lived in the US but my mom is part Russian. Her mom, my late grandmom is Russian. My mom is part you don't see much regarding Russia and since I'm part Russian your culture really interests me. Thank you for inviting us to see your home.
English not quite perfect. The sound you make after every third word.....aaahhhh...and at the end of almost all sentences, is not a word. Better to not make that sound while you are thinking of the next English word. I can't listen anymore.
@@roxannegordon6162 because English is not her first language and she is doing her best. She speaks more than one language unlike in some English speaking countries, they think they don't need to learn other languages but it is not a bad thing anyway
Thank you for sharing your life with us. Your apartment is warm and inviting, and you have such a great attitude. I appreciate the little details about how apartment living works in Russia.
Hi from Canada. Thank you so much for showing us around your apartment. Your bedrooms look really nice. Are you allowed to put shelving up? People in this part of the world who don’t have much storage tend to use the walls. I was wondering where you learned English,. It is excellent. Looking forward to more videos.
In America in the State of New York tiny Apts go for $4,000 dollars a month and that's not including utilities, groceries, internet, cellphone and get this everywhere in the U. S. You have to pay renters insurance. I would say use the walls, put shelves, hooks and maybe floating shelves. I think your Apt is very nice and spacious. Thank you for sharing
Thankyou so much for your video of your apartment - it is so interesting to see how people live in other countries. I was fortunate to travel to St Petersburg in 2010 & really liked it. When I was a girl at school in the 1960's we all regarded Russia as a very distant & unusual place so I couldn't believe I was actually there. I thought your apartment was nice & it's lovely that you have cats. I also liked the stovetop coffee pot you have. I would be very interested in seeing you cooking & showing us some of the meals you do. I have subscribed to your channel. Best wishes from Sydney, Australia
Thank you for opening up your home to the world. Where I live (in the USA state of Montana), rent for the same apartment would double the price. By the way, you speak English very well, and you are pretty. Love the cats, I have three cats and a very large Alaskan Malamute (twice the size of a Siberian Husky - they do look similar)
Beautiful city, beautiful apartment and reasonably priced. Your city is so clean! Thank you for making this video. It’s wonderful to see that Russians are the same as Americans! People are people the world around!
Thank you for showing us your apartment. Very cozy! I have been to S:t Petersburg in 1986 (then Leningrad) in februari so I understand that you are winterising your windows. A great idea to have separate toilet and bathroom. We don’t have that here in smaller apartments. Stay safe! Greetings from Sweden!
Thank you for showing us where you live. I live in San Francisco in the US and it looks similar to the old flats here that date back to late 1800s/early 1900s. It is also very expensive to rent here, and many people pay half or more of their income for rent. Buying any kind of housing is only for the rich here. I'd say you have a nice setup, and it works for the two of you and your cute cats! In the US it very much depends on where you live. Large cities where many young people want to live and work are extremely expensive these days. Oh, one question - for cooking do you use a microwave as well, or is that not a Russian thing? Here almost all houses have them as many of us tend to eat frozen food (not always the healthiest, but quick and convenient).
The layout of your apartment, with that wide hallway, makes it seem much bigger. I love that the toilet and bathroom are separated. If I lived in Russia, I wouldn't want a larger, more expensive place if it meant I would have to give up my tub for a shower. Your kitties are lovely and look quite content there.
Thank you for showing us your apartment. It's very nice. It's nice to have your own washing machine and I would love the towel warmer in your bathroom. Wishing you success with your channel.
Enjoyed learning about your town and how people live in Russia... so interesting, here a 2 bedroom suite is around 1200-1500 a month ( basement suite) or an flat in an apartment block... Hi from Bc Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you for the detailed apartment tour, I love to see how other people live. Here in suburban Toronto, I’m not even sure you could get a a bed in a rooming house for $340. Interesting how in Russia, the toilet is always in a separate little room. Here, that’s only the case in large homes with spacious master bathrooms.
I can explain why they are divided like this, as where I am from (Bulgaria) communist era apartments are quite similar to this. The toilet and bathroom are separated as probably this apartment was intended for 3+ people, and having somebody taking a shower while another person needs to go to the toilet might be an issue.
Thank you for all the information of cultural differences. I love the Russian people. I am from San Francisco, California and my godmother was from Latvia. The more I learn about Russian culture, the more I find it interesting. God bless the people of Russia. 💖💋
I think your place is great. Lived in places like that for most of my life (journalist). And, yes, in the US, many folks hang their clothes to dry. Also, in my later life career, that two bedroom BS (not really a one bed room) started showing up when I was selling real estate years ago. It was horrible when I took a client in there and had told them it was a two bedroom. The agent had lied on the MLS!
Thank for showing us you lovely home. It’s so fascinating to see how others live. Seems a bit small for Americans but, so Cozy. Plus $420usd for everything a month in a Great city is a outstanding Value. I’d live there....
Cute apartment. Very nice that the toilet is separate from the bathtub so no one is waiting for the bathroom. That’s a great feature since you’re sharing the apartment.
Fascinating, with your English skills, and sweet demeanor you should be able to get something a little roomier. I wish you, your friend and your kitty all the best of luck in the future, you certainly deserve it!
This was very nice of you to let me see your lovely apt. Your English is very well spoken. Most of us here ,in the middle class, have small bathrooms too but some have 2 bathrooms and manage to include in those rooms a tub with shower head, toilet, vanity and wall shelves. Sofas can be converted to nightly beds with furniture adjustments. Hopefully you'll be able now to go on u-tube and see here in the USA how many young people like you had great ideas to fit a lot of things in small spaces. Yes, heating is expensive here too and getting worse. We have oil and gas. Solar is not too perfected yet. I live up north. I like the idea we can all communicate with each other and share our lives thanks to internet and people like you. Thank you again from the USA. My best wishes for a wonderful future in your life ahead.
Xenia, that drying rack looks like an IKEA clothes rack. We have them here too, I prefer them. Dryers tend to damage your stuff. And love the fact your kitchen is a separate room with a window and the door. Love ❤️ it.
Thank you- nice tour! Yes, a small apartment but you’ve made it nice for yourselves and your cat :-) My place in Oregon is a bit bigger, but we pay more. Wishing you all the best! I liked and subscribed!
It is encouraging to see how your overall standard of living has improved over the past thirty years. I visited a city in Ukraine in 1993. Your buildings that are being constructed today are more pleasing to the eye than those built in the mid twentieth century. I enjoyed your video very much!
your dress is lovely, and I adore your cats....they are like cats everywhere! Also not a bad apartment unless you get cold! I did rent an apartment on the top floor and never had to run heat in winter as all the heat rose up!
I love St Petersburg it’s a beautiful city. When I was there visiting I was shocked that there were no single family houses in view between the Airport and the Nevsky Prospect. Only the big Soviet Apartment Buildings and they were huge and blocks long.
Your European-style Russian apartment reminded me of my Argentine girlfriend who lived in the apartment in Buenos Aires ten years ago. It was about the same size as your apartment. European-style is small but a compact design. It is hugely different from the USA immense size of apartment space. Thanks for sharing this interesting video. Smile! 😇🙏
Very interesting to see how people in other countries live. Well made video, good presentation! Also $420 for rent & utilities is outrageously cheap. Where I live a comparable apartment hasn't cost that since 2000 or even earlier.
Hi, I live in America but am not American. Married one. I really appreciate your video and your joy in sharing your apartment in Russia. I've lived in Japan, but that was in the seventies. The apartments there that time were much smaller than your apartment. Even though I was going to school at the time and wasn't living in an apartment, I loved the culture. I'm so looking forward to visiting Russia soon. Different cultures fascinate me and I thank you.
When I was there a few years ago, my honest opinion is that the buildings all looked leftover from the Soviet era. Ugly, tiny windows…thinking the apartments must be incredibly tiny. It made me sad. Thanks for this video. It’s not easy to be so candid.
Great video! You’re helping us to learn about Russian life, beyond propaganda and stereotypes! Also, is it common for people to leave things behind when they leave an apartment? It seemed like there were a lot of things that the previous tenants left in the room!
you can take your stuff while you're moving into another apartment, and also we can change 2-3 different apartments in a year, that's why it's easier to have minimum things
Very nice review. you may want to list the expenses as: 1. Base Rent 2. Building Association Dues ( central heating, garbage, hot water...) 3. Utilities (electricity, gas, internet, water) and add a Total. You may want to compare and contrast with other parts of the city for a Two Room apartment. Also, is there a good English website for finding furnished apartments in St. Petersburg? Thanks for introducing us to your cute kitty!
I love this video. ♥️ The apartment is very minimalist which is popular around the world and in the United States too in many cities. I would love such an apartment but would need more shelves as I own a lot of books. 📚
In Arizona , USA my daughter pays 1100.00 American dollars for a two bedroom apt with kitchen and living room , 2.5 bathrooms and a large closet ...that doesn’t include any utilities. Or special covered parking .
An excellent tour of your apartment and nicely presented ! You have all of the essentials needed in your flat. Difficult to make a comparison on cost without knowing the average monthly income in Russia. In Canada apartment rentals have skyrocketed in price with a one bedroom in many urban areas taking a half to 2/3 of monthly incomes. The cheaper apartments have the same poor maintenance issues here that you described in Russia ! You gave everyone a superb tour of your apartment that was very interesting ! Thank you.
You have a nice apartment! 💕 I was in St. Petersburg a couple of years ago, for a two days visit. We drove through a lot of residencial blocks. The tourguide was especially proud of a new complex just outside of St. Petersburg. It had parks and playgrounds for children. It was green and nice. In Norway we too have the hallway, both in flats and houses, we dont wear shoes in the homes so we store those and coats and jackets in the hall, or entrance way. It has also a purpose, not to let the cold draft come into the living space, when you open the front door in the winter time. 😅 I have a question, do most russians live in appartment buildings, or are there areas where there are townhouses and detached houses?
I think your apartment is very nice. Storage would be a problem. In the US most houses and apartments built after 1900 will have more shelf space and most bedrooms have a closet. Before that time many homes had wardrobes like yours. My house is almost 120 years old and it has 6 closets.
Whether something is cheaper depends on how much money you make and the percentage of your income you have to pay for the apartment rent. From other Russian TH-camrs I watch, they say rents are cheap but salaries are low too.
@@sjbock I can tell you from what I’ve seen (my daughter and family lived in Tokyo for 12 years and we visited often), salaries for common workers are not particularly high, but rents are very expensive. An apartment like the one in this video would be well be well beyond a common worker’s salary
I can say that this is a standard type of apartments in Russia as I've changed a lot of them in my life.
So, guys, what do you think about Russian apartments?
It's the same in Ukraine 😅 I think the whole Soviet Union have same time of things!
Yes, you are right. The things that I tell about Russia on my channel apply almost to all post soviet countries.
we would call that an efficiency apartment in the usa.. we would call you a minimalist... we have lots of things in the usa... i like your rent prices... do you have lots of crime? i enjoy your videos
Thank you for your comment! There is of course crime in Russian cities. The statistics say crime level decreases. I think one should be careful, especially on the road.
I appreciate getting to see your apartment. Yes, small, but also not very much storage. That would be difficult. To have a very nice attitude! Thank you for sharing!
You keep your apartment beautifully tidy and clean. I live in an old farmhouse in Australia by myself, so l offer my four bedrooms to migrants who need a place to stay till they get themselves established and can afford their own place to live. I have never had a Russian guest as yet, but I hope one day I do. Best wishes to you and thankyou for a look into your world.
Are you saying that migrants go to live on the farm when they come to Australia?
Thank you for allowing us into your home , it’s lovely , seeing how people around the world live is fascinating , 💖💖
I agree...
Her apartment is so nice. Not that small.. Other than lacking a small living room...its gorgeous.
It would easily cost over $900.00--$1,600 here for that size here if a one bedroom and her room used as living room.
In NYC it would be over $2,000!
Its fun to see other places around the world.
@@anitajinfla9762 Her apartment would be an awesome bargain for just one person. It would cost about $450 here in Augusta, Georgia.
Funny how hearing what they cost in big US cities IS like hearing about another land compared to much smaller cities.
I watch International House-hunters on HGTV almost daily but you don’t see how the average person lives because most of the people are moving country because of job relocations.
I agree. Lovely, cozy too!
I am with you on the drying my clothes out. I can't afford a dryer right now, but will hang clothes inside during the winter. It takes a bit more time but saves money. England has their toilets in a seperate room too- at least in the ones that I visited. Nice video, thank you for posting.
The apartment I grew up in Moscow was similar. A three bedroom but no living room, and the toilet was it’s own tiny room separate from the bath/sink room. We had a mini washer and hung clothes to dry. And two of the bedrooms had balconies as well.
Very nice tour. I’m always interested in other countries and how people live there. Your English is very good!
We live like people around the world: we get born, we go to schools, we find friends, we fall in love, we go to universities, then to work. We cry, we love, we laugh. All the same.
@david woods excuse me???
I’ve always wanted to see St Petersburg.... It’s always interesting seeing how others live in different parts of the world. Enjoyed. Your video, and your English is amazingly very well. Thank you for sharing this video, and a part of your life, very enjoyable...
Hello, I'm from Québec, Canada ( french Canadian). This is very nicely explain and shown. I'm curious about Russian life in actual years. Keep going! Thanks you.
Thank you so much for inviting us in! Interesting that a living room isn't automatic. So I learned something today. You speak beautiful English and make a lovely host.
After being away for 8 years I am returning to live in Peter - I miss my city so much. Previously I lived there for 10 years when I worked at the State University - thank you for showing your apartment
This was so interesting to me! Thank you so much for sharing your apartment. We adopted our daughter from Russia so I am always interested in your way of life.
I think you have a lovely apartment, thank you for sharing it with us! And your cats look absolutely adorable 😃🐱
Thank you so much!!
You where are you from
Love the kitties!
This has turned into the crazy cat lady channel! Lol. My crazy cat lady sister would love it.
Love the cats too ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing your home with us! It's really amazing how much we have in common, despite living worlds apart. It's wonderful to see that. I certainly wish homes in America were priced better though!
I'm 68 years old and have only spent 6 years of my life in apartments (when we were first married). It's been a long time, but I do look at apartment ads on line. The apartments we rented had a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, with a lot of built in storage. About 700 square feet. I think most apartments near me now are like that, although for families, it is possible to find 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments. It was very kind of you to show us your apartment. Your cats are beautiful. I think an apartment like yours would most likely be found in the very old apartment buildings of New York City.
I don't think in NYC as you say you find that apartment they small like a box with no kitchens.And price is about 3.000.Dollar monthly.
the apt. like this in NY would coast around 4.000 per .month
I truly enjoyed this as interested in how people live in other countries. I can assume that many younger people learn English as well as knowing Russian. I keep finding out that no matter where you live human being are pretty much the same. Thank you so much from the USA.
Not all of them because several of my friends in Saint Petersburg speak no English most everyone still speaks Russian only here
Very nice for you to find the time to explain about he apartment.
People here learn English only when they need it.
@@Natashanjka Same in the US. Most Americans only speak English. I would love to learn to speak Russian. My father did, along with Swedish, French, German, Estonian and Italian, however he was an immigrant.
@@katperson1955 well, if you want to start learning Russian you can check playlists on my channel. There are different playlists with live classes for Russian learners.
Very interesting! Thank you for showing around your home - and introducing us to your kitty! You have a nice nature and great presenting skills.
Oh, thank you so much!
You gave a lovely tour of your apartment. I would describe it as a two room apartment with a kitchen, not the normal setup in the USA. A studio apartment has one main room plus a kitchen area and a bathroom. A one bedroom apartment has a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Some two bedroom apartments have a bathroom also off of the master bedroom as well as the main bathroom. A huge difference between our countries is the heating situation; heat is available 12 months of the year, controlled by the apartment dwellers. I live in what is called a 2 bedroom bungalow with a lovely small front yard and an ample backyard. My house was built in 1920 and needs many upgrades but I love it.
Thanks for taking us on a tour of Russia. Very interesting, we live in USA. It’s great getting to actually see the apartments and the history and how you explain the details and prices. You speak English very well. Your cats are adorable. Hope you continue making your videos.
they pay much less than in America. I am jealous. But, I am sure they get paid much less at jobs, too.
My wife and I live in California, USA and pay 116,635.49 rubles for a one bedroom apt. with 700 sq. ft. (65 sq. meters). It is comfortable. It is not fancy. Thank you for showing us. There are so many differences in your apt. Very interesting.
You're very kind to show us your apartment. Here in Houston, Texas, US, a one bedroom, kitchen, and living room rents for $1000 US dollars. These are not luxury apartments, just normal middle class apartments. Please tell us more about your life in Russia. Jobs, etc.
Greetings from Dublin Ireland.
Thank you for sharing this video.
Your apartment looks very comfortable.
Keep well
Thanks again
Jarlath Byrne
Very, very beautiful! Here in big cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles an apartment like yours would cost $2,500-3,000 USD each month....yes thousands of dollars. In Manhattan only the very wealthy could afford an apartment of that size. Excellent video, thank you for sharing.
You are so lovely and well spoken in English and I am very impressed as a New Yorker! Your cats are adorable. I wish you the best.
In rural Americai, we winterize windows on older homes with plastic sheeting and quilts behind the regular curtains. It becomes dark and cozy inside, unless the sun is shining. Then we open the curtains to get the greenhouse effect. This is all done to reduce drafts and save on heating costs, or to just stretch the propane supply through the winter. We use woodstoves in our home and gather firewood all year from the property.
In colder areas of the US, we also winterize our windows if they are old! When I was growing up we would tape clear plastic over windows.
Yep, bubble wrap!
Radiant heat on the outaide wall is a great feature there, it looks like. I had the save in North Dakota for years and it was a game changer. Forced air heat is so inefficient compared to radiant.
I hated holding the plastic wrap up so my mom could tape it on the window frame/sill . however, the one thing I liked to watch was the bubble from all the outside air getting in. (inflate, -- deflate -- repeat)
Ok ok ok, Yeah.... I know, As a child, I was easily entertained.
@@mariahsmom9457 My Grandparents' farmhouse had radiant heat. 'n Omygod. Radiant heat is a lot warmer than vented heat.
Well if this will make you feel better we here in New York City area have literally one bedroom the size of where you or your roommate sleeps for about 2300 a month. We also have Landlords that don’t do nothing just wants the money we called them slumlords. 😭👍
Correct. Most housing in NYC were built in the 70’s too. Only richer people live in super modern apartments for $3000 and up a month.
Why do you choose to stay in NY?
Well get out of N.Y.C , it's rat infested, and it's just go go go . There are a lot of beautiful places in the U.S.A to live.
NYC has been ruined
Entire 2Bath, 3BR house with basement, unattached 2 car garage and 1/4 acre fenced yeard in Iowa USA with tax and insurance included mortgage $630.US
$340 for, basically, a 3 room apartment plus utilities, is a fairly good deal by USA standards.
Thank you for this video. It’s very interesting to see this kind of information and cost for
what is basic living arrangements for the average person. Very informative.
It’s a lovely apartment. The detail in the floors is amazing! I love the doors with the glass windows.
Cute cat too!
The wooden floor is too expensive
Except for the lack of a common living room, it isn't a bad apt at all. And cute kitty
Thank you for the guided tour. Apparently St Petersburg has a half a million citizens who live in communal apartments, a holdover from soviet times. It would be interesting to get an insight into that uniquely russian way of living.
For $340 in the US you can live on the street homeless.
Luckily, I live in Russia :))
Exactly! And a small dirty flat with cockroaches, broken windows and stinky entrance costs about 1500$, if not more, depending on the area...
Are salaries and taxes equal to what a similar job would pay in the US? While the rent is inexpensive compared to US, is it the same % of a renter’s income?
@Oksana Gutierrez it will start getting more normal in six days, but it will take a while to undo all the damage that has been done.
@Oksana Gutierrez so sorry you had to experience that. We think eventually things will change with time.
A cat in each room, you are living the dream👍👍😻😻
Indeed 😊
Russians are cat lovers! We have about 3 in each room and 1 in the kitchen! And we have 3 rooms. 😻
that's what I was thinking. In the US it's so hard to find an apartment that even allows 1 cat/pet. if you are lucky the limit is 2 and fees, $20-$100 and I've seen some apartments charging as high as $200 fee for big dogs (a month)
There is a special clause in our rent contract to do the renovation (at our cost) of the rooms that will be damaged by cats before we move out.
@@StPetersburgme Do Russians rather rent or own apartment?
I hope you teach English as your main job, either as a teacher or an interpreter, your English is brilliant xx
I agree. You have very good English. l live in USA,and really enjoyed your video. Very informative!
I wouldn't want her to teach my children English. Her English is good for a non-native, but it is not brilliant!
@@solidstate9451 Can you speak a second language as fluently as she did?
@@nuanced8225 : I'm talking to you in my second language. My first language is German. If you count Swabian, German is my second language :D. So, yes I'm fluently in English and I have less accent than her, still I think my English is not good enough to raise my children in English properly.
Enjoyed the tour of your apartment. Giving us a glimpse of life in Russia. I commend you on your English. Well done. Plus, loved having your cat giving her opinion . We talk for our cats also. Great job.
I love your kitty cat! ❤
Cat lovers are the best!❤
The apartment may not be big, but it looks very cozy and looks in very decent condition.
Thankyou for allowing me into your standard Russian apartment,I'm from Sydney Australia and I must admit, apartments in Australia are bigger in general....by the way loved your two cats. I love watching videos of other countries,their culture is always interesting
This is so neat! Thank you for sharing your space with us 😊💙❤🇺🇸
I have always lived in the US but my mom is part Russian. Her mom, my late grandmom is Russian. My mom is part you don't see much regarding Russia and since I'm part Russian your culture really interests me. Thank you for inviting us to see your home.
Very reasonable rent - thank you for showing us around! Where I live in Toronto, Canada something that size would be a minimum of USD$1200.
Your English is perfect, your apartment is lovely, your kitties are adorable! What a lovely young woman you are, you should go into diplomacy!
English not quite perfect. The sound you make after every third word.....aaahhhh...and at the end of almost all sentences, is not a word. Better to not make that sound while you are thinking of the next English word. I can't listen anymore.
@@roxannegordon6162 Rude!!
@@roxannegordon6162 because English is not her first language and she is doing her best. She speaks more than one language unlike in some English speaking countries, they think they don't need to learn other languages but it is not a bad thing anyway
@@roxannegordon6162 And how many languages do YOU speak? She’s doing GREAT!
@@roxannegordon6162 Can you speak russian as well as she speaks english, NO I don't think so
Thank you for sharing your life with us. Your apartment is warm and inviting, and you have such a great attitude. I appreciate the little details about how apartment living works in Russia.
Hi from Canada. Thank you so much for showing us around your apartment. Your bedrooms look really nice. Are you allowed to put shelving up? People in this part of the world who don’t have much storage tend to use the walls. I was wondering where you learned English,. It is excellent. Looking forward to more videos.
In America in the State of New York tiny Apts go for $4,000 dollars a month and that's not including utilities, groceries, internet, cellphone and get this everywhere in the U. S. You have to pay renters insurance. I would say use the walls, put shelves, hooks and maybe floating shelves. I think your Apt is very nice and spacious. Thank you for sharing
Thankyou so much for your video of your apartment - it is so interesting to see how people live in other countries. I was fortunate to travel to St Petersburg in 2010 & really liked it. When I was a girl at school in the 1960's we all regarded Russia as a very distant & unusual place so I couldn't believe I was actually there. I thought your apartment was nice & it's lovely that you have cats. I also liked the stovetop coffee pot you have. I would be very interested in seeing you cooking & showing us some of the meals you do. I have subscribed to your channel. Best wishes from Sydney, Australia
Thank you for opening up your home to the world. Where I live (in the USA state of Montana), rent for the same apartment would double the price. By the way, you speak English very well, and you are pretty. Love the cats, I have three cats and a very large Alaskan Malamute (twice the size of a Siberian Husky - they do look similar)
Just started watching your vids. Great vids love them. Love learning about Russia and your culture. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing your home with us. Your apartment reminds me of country apartments in New Hampshire, usa. Your apt. Has charm
Nice. It is time for America and Russia to realize that we are similar as people, not government, but people. Love your channel.
That was so informative! Thank you for giving us such a good tour of your apartment! I love your cats.
Beautiful city, beautiful apartment and reasonably priced. Your city is so clean! Thank you for making this video. It’s wonderful to see that Russians are the same as Americans! People are people the world around!
Thank you for showing us your apartment. Very cozy!
I have been to S:t Petersburg in 1986 (then Leningrad) in februari so I understand that you are winterising your windows.
A great idea to have separate toilet and bathroom. We don’t have that here in smaller apartments.
Stay safe!
Greetings from Sweden!
I am most impressed with the bilingual cat. :) I also have a "tuxedo" kitty. They are smart.
I love your apartment thanks for sharing I had never seen a Russian apartment before I'm in the US 👏💖
Thank you for showing us where you live. I live in San Francisco in the US and it looks similar to the old flats here that date back to late 1800s/early 1900s. It is also very expensive to rent here, and many people pay half or more of their income for rent. Buying any kind of housing is only for the rich here. I'd say you have a nice setup, and it works for the two of you and your cute cats! In the US it very much depends on where you live. Large cities where many young people want to live and work are extremely expensive these days. Oh, one question - for cooking do you use a microwave as well, or is that not a Russian thing? Here almost all houses have them as many of us tend to eat frozen food (not always the healthiest, but quick and convenient).
The layout of your apartment, with that wide hallway, makes it seem much bigger. I love that the toilet and bathroom are separated. If I lived in Russia, I wouldn't want a larger, more expensive place if it meant I would have to give up my tub for a shower.
Your kitties are lovely and look quite content there.
Thank you for showing us your apartment. It's very nice. It's nice to have your own washing machine and I would love the towel warmer in your bathroom. Wishing you success with your channel.
Thanks for the tour. From the videos I’ve seen, Russian people seem really nice. Thanks for shrinking our world. Best of luck to you both !
Enjoyed learning about your town and how people live in Russia... so interesting, here a 2 bedroom suite is around 1200-1500 a month ( basement suite) or an flat in an apartment block... Hi from Bc Canada 🇨🇦
This must not be in Van 🤪 bout the same price here in Regina as well. 😉
Kamloops
Thank you for your tour of your home. I enjoyed it very much!
Thank you for the detailed apartment tour, I love to see how other people live. Here in suburban Toronto, I’m not even sure you could get a a bed in a rooming house for $340. Interesting how in Russia, the toilet is always in a separate little room. Here, that’s only the case in large homes with spacious master bathrooms.
I can explain why they are divided like this, as where I am from (Bulgaria) communist era apartments are quite similar to this. The toilet and bathroom are separated as probably this apartment was intended for 3+ people, and having somebody taking a shower while another person needs to go to the toilet might be an issue.
@@SLid3ra That makes sense, thank you for the explanation.
Thank you for all the information of cultural differences. I love the Russian people. I am from San Francisco, California and my godmother was from Latvia. The more I learn about Russian culture, the more I find it interesting. God bless the people of Russia. 💖💋
You girls are so nice! Your flat reminds me of my youth. Great place! Lovely cats. Greetings from Rome!
I think your place is great. Lived in places like that for most of my life (journalist). And, yes, in the US, many folks hang their clothes to dry. Also, in my later life career, that two bedroom BS (not really a one bed room) started showing up when I was selling real estate years ago. It was horrible when I took a client in there and had told them it was a two bedroom. The agent had lied on the MLS!
Thank for showing us you lovely home. It’s so fascinating to see how others live. Seems a bit small for Americans but, so Cozy. Plus $420usd for everything a month in a Great city is a outstanding Value. I’d live there....
Salaries are lower there. It is half of her monthly income.
it's not cheap for Russians
Cute apartment. Very nice that the toilet is separate from the bathtub so no one is waiting for the bathroom. That’s a great feature since you’re sharing the apartment.
Fascinating, with your English skills, and sweet demeanor you should be able to get something a little roomier. I wish you, your friend and your kitty all the best of luck in the future, you certainly deserve it!
Thank you for the tour! It's very cute and your English is really good!
You are so sweet. Thank you for sharing your space with us. I really enjoyed learning about your home and Russian culture.
I would say that Russian apartments are fine....A little small,but comfortable and cosy! Another great presentation Ksenia!
Thank you for showing us your apartment . Love your cats & houseplants.
I love your apartment! There's storage cabinets online mb that would help you.
Your shoes are adorable btw 😍
This was very nice of you to let me see your lovely apt. Your English is very well spoken. Most of us here ,in the middle class, have small bathrooms too but some have 2 bathrooms and manage to include in those rooms a tub with shower head, toilet, vanity and wall shelves. Sofas can be converted to nightly beds with furniture adjustments. Hopefully you'll be able now to go on u-tube and see here in the USA how many young people like you had great ideas to fit a lot of things in small spaces. Yes, heating is expensive here too and getting worse. We have oil and gas. Solar is not too perfected yet. I live up north. I like the idea we can all communicate with each other and share our lives thanks to internet and people like you. Thank you again from the USA. My best wishes for a wonderful future in your life ahead.
Xenia, that drying rack looks like an IKEA clothes rack. We have them here too, I prefer them. Dryers tend to damage your stuff. And love the fact your kitchen is a separate room with a window and the door. Love ❤️ it.
You must be Polish. My Polish friend used to say that . After 30 years in Usa , she dries in the dryer anything what fits into it.
@@utahdan231 Try again!
Great tour! Thank you for showing us your home. And as an ESL teacher, your English is wonderful! Appreciate seeing something from another country.
Thank you- nice tour! Yes, a small apartment but you’ve made it nice for yourselves and your cat :-)
My place in Oregon is a bit bigger, but we pay more. Wishing you all the best! I liked and subscribed!
It is encouraging to see how your overall standard of living has improved over the past thirty years. I visited a city in Ukraine in 1993. Your buildings that are being constructed today are more pleasing to the eye than those built in the mid twentieth century. I enjoyed your video very much!
your dress is lovely, and I adore your cats....they are like cats everywhere! Also not a bad apartment unless you get cold! I did rent an apartment on the top floor and never had to run heat in winter as all the heat rose up!
Very nice video. Your apartment is really lovely and St. Pietroburg must be nice too.
I love St Petersburg it’s a beautiful city. When I was there visiting I was shocked that there were no single family houses in view between the Airport and the Nevsky Prospect. Only the big Soviet Apartment Buildings and they were huge and blocks long.
Yes, this is an average standard of living in Russia.
Fo
Thank you so much for showing us your nice apartment. So neat and tidy and you gave us a lovely tour. Love from USA
Your English is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your tour of your apartment. Very informative. Love your cats!
Jennifer and Duncan
Very pleasant to watch. "This is a tree!" Cute. Thank you for sharing.
Your European-style Russian apartment reminded me of my Argentine girlfriend who lived in the apartment in Buenos Aires ten years ago. It was about the same size as your apartment. European-style is small but a compact design. It is hugely different from the USA immense size of apartment space. Thanks for sharing this interesting video. Smile! 😇🙏
Very interesting to see how people in other countries live. Well made video, good presentation! Also $420 for rent & utilities is outrageously cheap. Where I live a comparable apartment hasn't cost that since 2000 or even earlier.
Hi, I live in America but am not American. Married one. I really appreciate your video and your joy in sharing your apartment in Russia. I've lived in Japan, but that was in the seventies. The apartments there that time were much smaller than your apartment. Even though I was going to school at the time and wasn't living in an apartment, I loved the culture. I'm so looking forward to visiting Russia soon. Different cultures fascinate me and I thank you.
Your apartment looks very cosy. Thank you for showing us around.
It looks clean and bare. No artwork anywhere 🤔
Your English is very good. How did you learn? Your apartment is not so small and very nice. I love the sofa, very cute.
I love that your cat speaks Russian, cat and English!
When I was there a few years ago, my honest opinion is that the buildings all looked leftover from the Soviet era. Ugly, tiny windows…thinking the apartments must be incredibly tiny. It made me sad. Thanks for this video. It’s not easy to be so candid.
Great video! You’re helping us to learn about Russian life, beyond propaganda and stereotypes! Also, is it common for people to leave things behind when they leave an apartment? It seemed like there were a lot of things that the previous tenants left in the room!
you can take your stuff while you're moving into another apartment, and also we can change 2-3 different apartments in a year, that's why it's easier to have minimum things
Very nice review. you may want to list the expenses as: 1. Base Rent 2. Building Association Dues ( central heating, garbage, hot water...) 3. Utilities (electricity, gas, internet, water) and add a Total. You may want to compare and contrast with other parts of the city for a Two Room apartment. Also, is there a good English website for finding furnished apartments in St. Petersburg? Thanks for introducing us to your cute kitty!
The entrance of your apartment could be called a hallway, an entrance or a foyer. Thank you for a tour of your world!
I love this video. ♥️ The apartment is very minimalist which is popular around the world and in the United States too in many cities. I would love such an apartment but would need more shelves as I own a lot of books. 📚
In Arizona , USA my daughter pays 1100.00 American dollars for a two bedroom apt with kitchen and living room , 2.5 bathrooms and a large closet ...that doesn’t include any utilities. Or special covered parking .
An excellent tour of your apartment and nicely presented ! You have all of the essentials needed in your flat. Difficult to make a comparison on cost without knowing the average
monthly income in Russia. In Canada apartment rentals have skyrocketed in price with a
one bedroom in many urban areas taking a half to 2/3 of monthly incomes. The cheaper
apartments have the same poor maintenance issues here that you described in Russia !
You gave everyone a superb tour of your apartment that was very interesting ! Thank you.
You have a nice apartment! 💕 I was in St. Petersburg a couple of years ago, for a two days visit. We drove through a lot of residencial blocks. The tourguide was especially proud of a new complex just outside of St. Petersburg. It had parks and playgrounds for children. It was green and nice. In Norway we too have the hallway, both in flats and houses, we dont wear shoes in the homes so we store those and coats and jackets in the hall, or entrance way. It has also a purpose, not to let the cold draft come into the living space, when you open the front door in the winter time. 😅 I have a question, do most russians live in appartment buildings, or are there areas where there are townhouses and detached houses?
Yes, most Russians live in apartment buildings, but there are also areas where there are townhouses and mansions.
I think your apartment is very nice.
Storage would be a problem. In the US most houses and apartments built after 1900 will have more shelf space and most bedrooms have a closet. Before that time many homes had wardrobes like yours.
My house is almost 120 years old and it has 6 closets.
Bigger than the average Tokyo apartment and a lot cheaper too!
Yes, our apartments are bigger.
Whether something is cheaper depends on how much money you make and the percentage of your income you have to pay for the apartment rent. From other Russian TH-camrs I watch, they say rents are cheap but salaries are low too.
@@sjbock I can tell you from what I’ve seen (my daughter and family lived in Tokyo for 12 years and we visited often), salaries for common workers are not particularly high, but rents are very expensive. An apartment like the one in this video would be well be well beyond a common worker’s salary
Nice place. I hit thumbs up!