Workers in Moscow are being tempted out of the big city and into the country’s regions by the attraction of more jobs and a cheaper life.

Many Russians were lured to Moscow over the past few years as people considered it an attractive option, but as the recession continues and the job market becomes ever-more sparse and competitively fought, they are beginning to move out of the city into other regions where life is cheaper and fewer people are fighting for a greater number of jobs.

Two years ago, only 15% of the people living in Moscow wanted to move away, which compares to 33% now, according to research at SuperJob.ru.

Many people are having the decision made for them when they are made redundant. Jobs are available in the regions, but not in the capital. Once they have moved they realise that wages are often close to Moscow levels but that living expenses are far lower, allowing them to save.

A frequently heard plan is that they will return to Moscow after “waiting out the hard times” elsewhere and putting money aside in the meantime.

Analysts feel that there are no obvious peer cities to Moscow in term of business in Russia, but that many professionals will actually be able to climb the career ladder quicker if they live elsewhere, simply because there is less competition.