The life quality of the Russian rural and urban population: a comparative analysis of certain aspects

The paper analyzes the life quality of the rural and urban population of Russia. The purpose of the study is to obtain quantitative estimates of the proximity of the main aspects of the life quality in the city and the countryside. The empirical base is the microdata of statistical observations of Rosstat at the end of 2018. The life quality is determined through a combination of financial capabilities and needs of the individual, as well as the state of the external environment. The financial condition of an individual characterizes the possibility of consuming a good, which may not be realized due to the absence or non-articulation of the corresponding need. The state of the external environment characterizes the physical (technical) availability of goods, their variety and quality. It is shown the availability of benefits to the rural population associated with the quality of housing and the environment that is higher than in the city. A high level of consumption of a number of expensive goods and services (TVs, mobile phones, cars) has been established, which, however, is combined with their lower quality and less variety of choices (brands). It is shown that the limited physical (technical) accessibility of modern innovative goods and services is overcome more difficult and slower, and in the foreseeable future it is impossible to expect a convergence of the life quality in cities and villages in this aspect.