Russian IT Specialists in the Regions Now Earn as Much as in Moscow
Remote work and regional expansion of tech companies are closing the wage gap between the capital and the rest of the country.
Nearly 40% of Russian IT specialists choose to work remotely for companies based in Moscow or St. Petersburg while continuing to live in their home regions, according to data from the T1 company. One in four professionals (26%) received an offer to relocate to a major city, but only 7% accepted. The main reasons for refusal include lower living costs in the regions and a desire to stay close to family.
According to a study by hh.ru, during the first half of 2025, companies from Moscow and St. Petersburg increased the number of job offers extended to regional IT specialists by 5% and 7%, respectively.
Experts say that expanding regional branches of large IT companies could become a key growth driver: 37% of specialists said they would consider moving to such a branch if it opened in their city. Interest is particularly strong in the Republic of Tatarstan and the Samara Region.
Many IT companies are following this trend, strengthening their presence beyond major urban centers. They are partnering with local universities, launching training programs, and offering internships across Russia.
