Determinants of price level differences in Russian regions

We examine the factors determining regional price differentiation in the Russian Federation. According to official statistics, the price of a fixed set of goods and services in different regions may currently differ more than two-fold. Employing panel data analysis for 2000-2015, we find differences in regional prices were caused by the following factors: the Balassa-Samuelson effect (differences in wages, regional economic structure, income structure); regional trade costs (distance of the region from other regions); and the level of monopolisation of retail trade. The results obtained in the article can be used in developing and implementing economic policy aimed at the reduction of poverty, in assessing the efficiency of transport and logistical projects, and also in developing and analysing the consequences of monetary policy. Taking into account price differences between regions can therefore improve accuracy in forecasting the consequences of measures of monetary policy.