Saint Petersburg, Russia π·πΊ
#1260
59.938732, 30.316229
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Saint Petersburg is the second-largest city in Russia, known for its cultural heritage and historical significance. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 5 million people. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 RUB β 0.013 USD, 1 USD β 75.00 RUB; multiple banks including Sberbank and VTB are available for foreign transactions. |
| π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | Popular providers are MTS, Beeline, and Megafon with 4G coverage. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and Citibank have branches along with local options. |
| π Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to local apartment rentals available on sites like Cian.ru. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted but having some cash is advisable. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and services like Tinkoff Apartments provide short-term rental options. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel K1 and Airhostel provide affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Buro 45 is a popular coworking space with amenities. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© Mokka offers a relaxed atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Events can be found through sites like Meetup, particularly in the Start-Up scene. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expat communities host regular meet-ups via Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is the leading app for car rides. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent bikes through Velobike service available at various stations. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Komarovo Beach is accessible within an hour. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Pulkovo Airlines. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines operate many routes. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Major connections through Ring Road and M10 highway. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Finlyandsky Railway Station is the main hub. |
| π Public Transport Passes | A monthly pass costs around 2,000 RUB. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains and buses efficiently connect to nearby cities like Helsinki and Novgorod. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Mariinsky Hospital is one of the top-rated healthcare facilities. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogashala offers various yoga classes and wellness therapies. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House and Planet Fitness are major gym chains. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | LaundryMan and Local Laundry provide quality services. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Delivery Club and Π―Π½Π΄Π΅ΠΊΡ.ΠΠ΄Π° (Yandex.Eda). |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Borscht and Pirozhki at local eateries. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | CafΓ© Botanika is a popular choice among vegetarians. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | CafΓ© Confectionery Grand is well-known for its pastries. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Gastronom No. 1 offers a wide selection at reasonable prices. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Wildberries and Ozone are popular online shops. |
| π Grocery Delivery | SberMarket offers a reliable grocery delivery service. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Rubinstein Street is vibrant with nightlife options. |
| π» Local Brewery | Kruzhka Brewery offers good local craft beers. |
| π· Wine Bars | Wine & Vodka Bar features an extensive selection. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Try the food stalls at New Holland Island for diverse options. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Pasta-Masta serves excellent Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, and Church of the Savior on Blood are essential visits. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Contemporary Art Museum and State Russian Museum are must-visit places. |
| π° Historical Sites | Peter and Paul Fortress is a significant historical monument. |
| π Religious Sites | Church of the Savior on Blood hosts exquisite mosaics. |
| π Annual Events | White Nights Festival attracts visitors every summer. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | The Vasilievsky Island features rich cultural history. |
| π Theater Venues | Mariinsky Theatre is famous for its opera performances. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | The Kuznechny Market is popular for local produce. |
| πΌ Music Scene | The city has a vibrant music scene, particularly at venues like A2 Green Concert. |
| π¨ Street Art | Art in the Yard showcases local street artistsβ work. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Russian Cuisine Cooking Classes are popular offerings. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Erarta Museum and Galleries present contemporary art. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Winter Palace exhibits stunning architecture. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | The city embodies a rich heritage with its unique architectural styles. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Leningrad Region offers beautiful nature reserves. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Russian National Park 'Ladoga' is a notable escape. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Neva River Embankment provides scenic paths. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | The Spit of Vasilyevsky Island is an excellent photo spot. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Numididae Reserve is known for its diverse bird species. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Yelagin Island has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | SDEK and Boxberry are reliable delivery services. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Service centers like iFix provide device repair. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis club 'Svetlana' offers facilities. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools like BKC-IHL offer Russian courses. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Russia is a conducive study environment. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Moscow House of Culture supports various community events. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gaminia Cafe provides gaming facilities. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Ruby is among the popular gambling venues. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β½177,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β½7,080,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β½100,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β½4,000,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β½140,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β½8,400,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β½90,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β½5,400,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β½120,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β½9,600,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β½80,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β½6,400,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 20%. |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax system; residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 13%. |
| π§Ύ VAT | 20%. |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations are in place. |
| π Property Tax | Based on the value of the property. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | Tax rates vary with standard around 0.3% - 2%. |