Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is frequently praised as one of the most beautiful and liveable cities in Europe. Reviewers note its affordability, especially for those who understand local systems. Good public transport and coworking infrastructure are appreciated, complemented by fast average internet speeds around 77 Mbps. The nightlife is consistently highlighted as excellent, with entertainment districts offering vibrant options all within a compact area of the city. Summer is noted as particularly pleasant for visiting, especially June and July.

However, harsh winters are a repeated downside, with some reviewers recalling extreme lows, such as -34°C. Long-term stays can be complicated by local bureaucracy, where legal support may be necessary. While some visitors found the locals friendly, others had trouble forming friendships, especially without knowledge of Russian. Additionally, the quality and pricing of local Airbnb options were critiqued as being subpar for the cost.

Overall, Saint Petersburg offers high quality of life with low living costs, but navigating some social and bureaucratic aspects may be a challenge for extended or deeper integration without local knowledge or language skills.