This paper contains comparative analysis of absolute and relative parameters through the example of Kursk region, the expediency of the relative parameters use in assessing the level of regional social and economic development is substantiated. In Russia, one of the main problems is equalization of regional social and economic development. Regional social and economic development rating is necessary to determine the direction of the equalization. According to the Russian Federation Presidential Decree No. 1199 "On the evaluation of the effectiveness of executive authority bodies in the subjects of the Russian Federation" dated August 21, 2012, parameter list was developed for interregional comparisons; however these parameters are nonsufficient for deep analysis of developmental disproportions of meso-level entities [1, 2]. Also, absolute parameters are often used for the deep analysis. These parameters characterize achieved development level but miss the reference conditions determining absolute values (e. g., production and wages are higher in the regions with HPPs and NPPs).