Moscow vs. St. Petersburg

[BrianW]

How would you compare these two cities? Culture, things to do, standard of living, people, expense, history, etc.

[Boethius]

If I had to choose to live in one, it would be St. Petersburg, hands down.

[Gator]

Moscow is a combination of Washington DC and New York City on steroids, sometimes showing symptoms of roid rage.

St. Petersburg is more urbane.  The layout and pace seems friendlier to the pedesterian. 

St. Petersburg indeed has some glorious architecture,  and the insult of tourism is tolerable.   

Women born and raised in either city are sophisticated in a worldly way.

The Moscow weather is better.  Correction, I should have said Moscow weather is not as bad.

[I/O]

God forbid I should ever be subjected to living in a big city ANYWHERE in the world but should I be encumbered with such a fate it would be Moscow all the way. Ask me to explain, I can't. For me, cities would be slightly better than living in jail but not much yet ironically (to Mrs complete amazement) I believe I could actually live in Moscow and enjoy it. Of all the cities visited all over the world it remains the most inviting for me. St Pete is a wonderful and interesting place but for whatever reason, it is not MY city.

[chivo]

God forbid I should ever be subjected to living in a big city ANYWHERE

 

should I be encumbered with such a fate it would be Moscow all the way. Ask me to explain, I can't.

No need to for me anyway, and I understand why you feel this way.

For me, cities would be slightly better than living in jail but not much

Think about this for awhile. A little dramatic don't you think?

yet ironically (to Mrs complete amazement) I believe I could actually live in Moscow and enjoy it. Of all the cities visited all over the world it remains the most inviting for me. St Pete is a wonderful and interesting place but for whatever reason, it is not MY city.

To the OP. You have asked questions about living in the FSU over the last few weeks. You're obviously thinking strongly of doing so.

You will hear pro's and con's about different cities from all the people who have visited and/or lived there.

I would strongly suggest you take the time and come to any city you think might be on your short list of places you'd be interested in, for the reason I/O stated, and what I highlighted. It's what I did.

Moscow wasn't my first choice, but I spent a month here to see if I would like it. It fits me, but it might not fit you.

If you come and find that you can handle the weather, change of lifestyle, lack of language (more frustrating than you can imagine), etc., then the next thing you have to consider is how can you make enough money to exist relatively comfortable in said city. It's the only real way you'll know.

There is not much difference in expenses between Moscow and Piter. It's colder in Piter, I think because of its proximity to the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea).

Couple of things you should consider. One is some money of course to fall back on. My estimate would be $5,000 - 10,000 minimum. The other, if it's possible, is a contact that already lives there. This is invaluable.

Of course it will take some time getting up on your feet, and you'll go backwards before you move forward, especially given the expenses of Moscow or Piter and today's economic climate. Remember, visiting Russia and living in Russia are two different things, but visiting will give you some idea at least. Good luck.

chivo

[GoodOlBoy]

As a "tourist" , I liked St. Pete more than Moscow.

St. Pete to me is so..."European" with it's architecture and I absolutely loved the "canals".

The Hermitage is breathtaking, I could have spent a whole week inside just walking around.

I spent hours riding in small boats up and down those canals looking at the beautiful architecture and city sites (and took a lot of pic's).

In a strange way, it reminded me of Venice.

Moscow seemed much "dirtier" than St. Pete.

But if you are looking to live and work, I would have to say Moscow.

I really think there are more "opportunities" in Moscow, than there are in St. Pete.


GOB