Analysis of Economic Aspects of Consumer Behavior

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the trends and factors that determine the consumer behavior of the population of the Russian Federation and its regions in 2018–2023, to identify disproportions and justify the directions of socio-economic policy aimed at improving the living standards of the population. Methodology of the research relies on a system of statistical methods, including time series analysis, structural, index, variance, and correlation analysis. The coefficient of variation and the coefficient of stock differentiation are used to assess regional inequality. The results demonstrate the following findings: despite the outpacing growth of GDP per capita over the period, the growth rate of consumer spending lagged behind the dynamics of average per capita income. A steady decrease in inter-regional inequality in the consumption of the population of the regions of the Russian Federation has been established. It has been determined, that territorial affiliation is a key factor for about 50 per cent of the variation in consumer spending. Practical implications: the study can be used to develop the measures of socio-economic policies aimed at reducing regional income inequality of population, stimulating consumer demand, and improving quality of life indicators by means of increasing real incomes and optimising the structure of consumer spending.