Samara, Russia

Capital City

Relocating to Samara? Be prepared for a heavy tax burden and a persistent bureaucratic headache. With a population of over 1.14 million, this major industrial center in Russia's Volga region enjoys a continental climate - sweltering summers and frigid winters. While Samara has a rich history and cultural offerings, its gritty, Soviet-era aesthetic may not appeal to all. This is a city for pragmatic types who can handle the challenging logistics of life in provincial Russia.