Saint Petersburg, Russia

Capital City

The financial realities of Saint Petersburg can be a bracing wakeup call. With a population of 5,601,911 as of 2021, this former imperial capital is Russia's second-largest city, but its bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Winters are long and frigid, with temperatures plunging to -8.5°C on average. And while the city's historic architecture and cultural attractions draw over 15 million tourists annually, its high cost of living means the average resident may struggle. Saint Petersburg is best suited for those with deep pockets and a tolerance for red tape and chilly weather.