St. Petersburg, Russia: Cost of Living, Healthcare, Local Clubs and Activities, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in St. Petersburg

Summary: The approximate population of St. Petersburg, Russia is 5.4 million people. People often describe St. Petersburg as a vibrant and beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage. Expats love the city's vibrant nightlife, its many museums and galleries, and its proximity to the Baltic Sea. The weather in St. Petersburg is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from an average high of 68°F (20°C) in the summer to an average low of 18°F (-8°C) in the winter. The average cost of living for an expat is estimated to be around $1,500 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment in St. Petersburg is estimated to be around $500 per month, while a two bedroom apartment is estimated to be around $700 per month.

What do I need to know about living in St. Petersburg?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to St. Petersburg, they said:

"Before retiring in St. Petersburg, it is important to research the cost of living and familiarize yourself with the city and its attractions. It is also important to research local healthcare options and any cultural issues that may be relevant. Make sure to look into visa requirements to ensure that you can legally stay in the city. Additionally, it is recommended to learn the Russian language, as English is rarely spoken in St. Petersburg. Lastly, make sure to research the public transportation system, as this is typically the most reliable form of travel in the city," explained one expat living in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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What do I need to know before moving to St. Petersburg?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to St. Petersburg, they said:

"Before moving to St. Petersburg, make sure to research the best neighborhoods to live in, as well as what types of housing are available. Additionally, learn about the local culture, customs, and norms. You may also want to check out the city's entertainment, restaurants and nightlife, as well as other recreational activities. Make sure to find out about the transportation options and security measures in the city, and take out an insurance policy in case of any possible mishaps. Finally, prepare for the extreme climate by stocking up on winterwear and other weather proof accessories," remarked one expat living in St. Petersburg, Russia.

"Moving your personal effects: Don't! Air freight costs are outrageous and boat shipments aren't much better. Buying comparable items here has worked quite well for me. The prices for many articles are about 50% higher than USA prices but without the customs duty, VAT, paperwork and forwarding nightmare of dealing with shippers, delays, and local trucking co's. Choosing the neighborhood: Locate a real estate agent who can speak at least some English, it isn't difficult if you ask around. Expect to see many different properties! And watch your step! (literally!) In the US we don't think much about our footing because the floors are all level from room to room, or from street to entry. Here in SPb it is very easy for the tourist to fall because the streets and floors are all at different levels! Expect to step up and down often. Laundries are rare, indoor personal washers and clothes driers are rare but becoming more commonplace. You can pay to have a bought W/D unit installed but there may not be a heat outlet vent for the dryer. The bathtub becomes the usual instrument for washing one's clothes, air drying is common," wrote one member in St. Petersburg.

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How do I find a place to live in St. Petersburg?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"When looking for a place to live in St. Petersburg, it is important to consider elements such as budget, location, and size of the residence. Searching various housing websites like Zillow and Trulia can be helpful in finding the right place that suits your needs. You can also attend open houses to experience the residence and area firsthand. Additionally, contacting local real estate agents may be beneficial in finding the perfect place to live. Other options include shopping around in newspapers or even on popular classifieds sites such as Craigslist. Lastly, be sure to check on zoning regulations in the area to ensure the residence is compliant before signing a contract," said one expat in St. Petersburg.

"I have been lucky enough to converse with some Russian people online and to later meet them in SPb. The city varies widely in terms of housing. Some areas are industrial and you'll find smoke pouring into your windows at odd times. The better areas tend to be near universities, metro, large shopping malls ("magazines"). One advantage here is that for a small sum of aboout $0.50 US (20 ruble) you can take a bus and travel the city while seeing it's various facets," said one expat who made the move to St. Petersburg.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in St. Petersburg?

"A 3-bedroom flat (5-room) apartment of about 95 sq. meters. Tiny by American standards, but good for Russian. It feels roomy due to the atypical open floor plan we designed when we renovated. A "eurostandard" remodel is fairly typical for expats now, but as a rental. Most expats tend to live in the historic central districts," said one expat who made the move to St. Petersburg.

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What is the average cost of housing in St. Petersburg?

If you are thinking about moving to St. Petersburg, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in St. Petersburg varies depending on factors such as the type of property and its location. Generally, the cost of buying or renting property in the city tends to be higher than in other parts of the country," said one expat who made the move to St. Petersburg.

"This is the grand question indeed! Rentals are fair priced at about $10-$20 SqM/month. You get what you pay for! Buying an apartment here is expensive and getting more expensive. The best areas here for ex-pats are usually near to tourist areas and these are going for up to $3000 SqM. As mentioned above, the quality is not the best. Most buildings are from the Stalin era (1930)," explained one expat living in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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How do I meet people in St. Petersburg?

When we asked people living in St. Petersburg about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in St. Petersburg often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting museums, or exploring the city's many parks and gardens. Additionally, many expats join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in the city," said one expat in St. Petersburg.

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What should I bring when moving to St. Petersburg?

People living in St. Petersburg were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:

"When we moved here 7-1/2 years ago I could say I wish I had brought EVERYTHING and then some. Now most everything is available that one could find in say Stockholm or Prague. Luxury goods are still overinflated price-wise, but day to day things are comparable or cheaper than in Western Europe unless you shop in places strictly catering to foreigners. Computer gear is much cheaper in the States than here or Europe generally. Bring quality clothing to last for your stay. Here it's generally Wal-Mart quality at Nieman-Marcus prices," explained one expat living in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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Where should I setup a bank account in St. Petersburg?

We asked expats in St. Petersburg what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised:

"In St. Petersburg, there are several banking options available for setting up a bank account. You can open an account at many local and international banks, including Sberbank, Raiffeisen, VTB 24, Alfa Bank, VTB, Leto Bank, Bank Saint Petersburg, and UniCredit Bank. Additionally, many major foreign banks, such as HSBC, Citibank, and Deutsche Bank, have representative offices in St. Petersburg where you can open an account. Finally, most online banking services, such as Yandex.Money and Qiwi, are also available in St. Petersburg," explained one expat living in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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Will I be able to find a job in St. Petersburg?

When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in St. Petersburg, they reponded:

"St. Petersburg is a growing city with a busy economy, so there are many jobs available. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you may be able to find a job in St. Petersburg. Job search sites, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, are good tools for finding job openings in the city. You could also reach out to local businesses directly for potential job openings. Additionally, finding a job in the city might be easier if you have connections within it. Networking is a great way to learn about job openings and opportunities in the area," said one expat in St. Petersburg.

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What is life like in St. Petersburg?

When we asked people living in St. Petersburg what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Living in St. Petersburg as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The city is full of culture, history, and art, and offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, explore its many museums and galleries, and take advantage of its excellent public transportation system. The cost of living in St. Petersburg is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city also offers a wide range of international cuisine, making it easy to find something to suit any taste. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the city's excellent healthcare system and its many universities and colleges. All in all, St. Petersburg is an ideal destination for those looking to experience a unique and exciting culture," said one expat in St. Petersburg.

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What do expats in St. Petersburg appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in St. Petersburg appreciate the city’s unique architecture, interesting history, and vibrant cultural life. In particular, they value the city’s world-renowned art and music, diverse ethnic food, exciting nightlife, and impressive literary culture. They also enjoy the hospitable people and the welcoming atmosphere as well as the multitude of options for entertainment and leisure activities," wrote one member in St. Petersburg.

"Adventure, learning, growth, new foods, new experiences, new people, newness, change... I can go on and on," remarked one expat who made the move to St. Petersburg.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expatriates often find adapting to the culture, language and lifestyle of their host country the most challenging, as this requires a great deal of personal flexibility and integration. The lack of familiarity with the local culture, customs and people can be overwhelming for many. In addition, the financial implications associated with living abroad, such as higher taxes, need to be taken into account. Expatriates may also struggle with loneliness and lack of support due to being away from their family, friends and familiar surroundings. Issues such as bureaucratic red tape, visa requirements and medical insurance can be overwhelming, and the fear of being overwhelmed by these and other unfamiliar realities of life abroad can be daunting," wrote one member in St. Petersburg.

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Is there a lot of crime in St. Petersburg?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"The crime rate in St. Petersburg is relatively low compared to other cities of its size. According to the most recent data, St. Petersburg had a decrease of 20% in crimes reported in 2019 compared to 2018. While there is still crime present, most crimes that occur are non-violent property crimes such as theft and burglaries," wrote one member in St. Petersburg.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in St. Petersburg accepting of differences?

"St. Petersburg is a city known for its diversity. People from a variety of backgrounds make the area their home and are very tolerant of cultural differences. St. Petersburg is a great place for those who want to experience different cultures. There are many international events and festivals celebrated in the city, and people of different backgrounds interact in a respectful and generous way. People in St. Petersburg are not only accepting of differences, but celebrate them," commented one expat who made the move to St. Petersburg.

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What are the schools in St. Petersburg like?

"St. Petersburg is home to a diverse range of school options from traditional public schools, popular charter schools, conservative religious schools, international schools, and private schools. Public school curriculums are managed by the Pinellas County School District, offering a number of magnet programs, career academies, and advanced studies. Charter schools in the area are popular for their smaller class sizes and parental involvement. Several religious schools focus on private education for children of Christian families, including parochial and Catholic schools. International schools in the area offer programs in Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish, while private schools offer a diverse range of academic and athletic programs," explained one expat living in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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What are medical services in St. Petersburg like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in St. Petersburg, they replied:

"St. Petersburg offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The city is home to a number of highly-regarded medical institutions, such as the St. Petersburg State Medical University, the St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, and the St. Petersburg State Medical Academy. The city also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the St. Petersburg Institute of Cardiology, the St. Petersburg Institute of Oncology, and the St. Petersburg Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics. In addition, St. Petersburg has a number of private medical centers and clinics that offer a range of services, from general medical care to specialized treatments," commented one expat living in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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