Who Lives Well on Interest in Rus': Is It Realistic to Become a Rentier?

It is unlikely that any Russian would refuse to work and live only on the interest from a bank deposit. After all, this is our age-old dream - about rivers of milk and banks of jelly. But what should the deposit be and at what interest rate? Will we have enough money to afford such luxury?

And we came to the conclusion that this is quite possible, the fairy tale about the magic tablecloth is in our hands. However, the bank deposit in these times should be quite substantial

Judge for yourself. In February 2025, the average nominal salary in Russia (without deducting inflation) was 89.6 thousand rubles. Of course, you won’t be able to go to Dubai or the Bahamas with that kind of money, but it’s quite possible to live even at current prices. It’ll be enough for utilities and food.

Well, so, if we take the current average rate on bank deposits of 20%, then in order for it to "drip" monthly income. within 90 thousand rubles, the deposit amount must be at least 5.5 million rubles. And if the money is deposited at 18% per annum, then 6 million.

Theoretically, it is possible to accumulate such funds. According to a study by the National Research University Higher School of Economics, approximately 1.5 million Russians received a salary of 150-200 thousand per month last year. Another 750 thousand people had a monthly income of more than 200 thousand rubles.

In 2-3 years, under current conditions, you can amass such a capital, and then switch to a strict savings regime, live on 90 thousand rubles a month. But at the same time - not work and live like a rentier!

The idyll is spoiled by the prospect – and not the most distant one. During the May holidays, the Central Bank stated that a trend of slowing inflation had emerged in the country. According to the results of the past week, it decreased to 0.03% from 0.11 for the previous period. Annual inflation also decreased – to 10.21% from 10.34.

All this is not in favor of those who want to live on interest. For now, the key rate remains at 21% per annum. But it is clear that it will soon begin to decrease, and interest rates on bank deposits will follow suit. There will be 15%, and 10%, and perhaps even less. Credit organizations will not put this matter off for long.

With a bank rate of 10%, the monthly income will fall from 6 million to 50 thousand rubles. And this, you must admit, is a completely different story...

It is also worth taking into account the fact that inflation, even if it slows down, will not disappear and will also reduce your real income.

Nevertheless, financial analyst and candidate of economic sciences Mikhail Belyaev believes that any Russian who deposited 5-6 million in a bank can live on interest.

- There are no restrictions for anyone based on any criteria, - he says. - Based on age, professional background or party affiliation. If only there were these millions.

- But interest rates on deposits are about to start falling following the key rate!

- I don't think that the key rate will decrease significantly in the next two years. The Central Bank has already stated that it will begin to soften its monetary policy only after clear signals of a decrease in inflation.

Interest rates on deposits are not directly linked to the key rate, it is simply a reference point for them. Banks are starting to lower the terms of deposits, because it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to earn money. Loans are very high today, few people take them, you can’t earn much on them. Deposits remain.

- How much do you think interest rates could fall by the end of the year?

- I don’t expect a significant reduction, perhaps to 17-18%, but this is also a very good option.

- However, this option will not provide 90 thousand rubles per month.

- It will be a little lower, but who said that you need to set yourself the goal of living exclusively on interest? You need to have a solid income, then bank interest will form a financial safety cushion for you.

- What if we try shares, securities? Are there more chances?

- I don't recommend it. To work with securities, you need to have certain knowledge and qualifications. If you constantly buy some shares and sell others, it's like a second job: You need to know this market well, but in any case it won't give you a higher income than current bank deposits.