In the USSR, these things were only for the rich, and now anyone can buy them.

How much can you be nostalgic for the Soviet past? Product deficitWages, isolation from the world – what is there to regret? There was an argument with a woman. She claimed that life in the Union was better and everything was. It turned out that her father was the chairman of the collective farm. And everyone who was in power and with money, in the USSR lived wonderfully.



A common people had to constantly save money for the purchase of the most necessary, and then idle in huge queues to become the owner of a scarce thing. They tried to match their rich neighbors, who stood out from the background.

What was an indicator of prosperity in Soviet society? Prestigious real estate. Ordinary citizens could live in a dormitory or communal apartment for years, nourishing the hope of obtaining a separate living space. At the same time, party workers received spacious apartments in prestigious areas of the city. A sign of wealth was a respectable dacha. Representatives of the authorities could count on a service country house.



The interior of an apartment or a house. Wealthy owners were given a door filled with dermatine and a parquet floor. In the hall there was a fashionable furniture set, it was called simply by the people – the wall. There was a porcelain set and crystal dishes behind the glass. Wool carpets, beautiful tulles, crystal chandeliers - all testified to the prosperity of people.

Passenger car. “A car is not a luxury, but a means of transportation!” they say. Only a select few could afford personal transportation. Even those citizens who had a large amount of money had to stand in line for a car. Favorable connections significantly accelerated the process of acquiring a luxury item.



Travel outside the country. Wealthy people could spend a vacation in another republic, but only a few were lucky to visit abroad. The easiest way to get abroad is a business trip. But only verified citizens were sent there.

Indicator of prosperity in Soviet society Household appliances in the house. High-quality home appliances were not available to everyone, especially imported. To buy a color TV or a washing machine, you should have money and friends in the trade.



GettyImages Food Deficients. On the shelves of ordinary grocery stores in Soviet times, only bread and seaweed could be found in abundance. For many products lined up, and quality food was no exception. Sausage, cheese, fruit in the assortment, chocolate and expensive alcohol on the table spoke about the possibilities and financial well-being of the owner of the house.

Fashionable shoes and clothes. Wear fashionable clothes and branded shoes could only wealthy citizens. Imported items were sold from under the floor for fabulous money, and it was impossible to purchase them on the salary of a worker.



Good makeup. Good perfume was only available to high society women. Other beauties had to be satisfied with cosmetics of domestic production, which could be found in the store. The aroma of expensive brand perfume or cologne declared the prosperity of its owner.

Books. About the respectability of the owners of the apartment spoke a large number of books on the shelves. Entire libraries were assembled in some houses. The employees of Soyuzpechat in the USSR were treated with special respect, because they could buy the most popular books from them for free.



Of course, the Union had everything. Only those who had money and connections!

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