Mid-Range Travel Guide: Russia

Accommodation

$35-85 per night

Private rooms in mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, or quality hostels with private bathrooms

Food & Dining

$20-45 per day

Mix of local restaurants, casual dining establishments, some international cuisine, and occasional street food

Transportation

$8-25 per day

Combination of public transport, occasional taxis, ride-sharing services, and comfortable train classes

Activities

$25-65 per day

Paid museum entries, guided tours, cultural performances, day trips, and recreational activities

Use public transportation instead of taxis - typically saves 60-80% on transport costs

Eat at local cafeterias and markets rather than tourist restaurants - usually 50-70% cheaper

Book accommodation outside city centers - generally 30-50% less expensive with good transport links

Take advantage of free museum days and walking tours - can save $15-40 per day on activities

Shop at local grocery stores for breakfast and snacks - reduces daily food costs by 40-60%

Use overnight trains for longer distances - combines transport and accommodation costs

Visit during shoulder seasons for accommodation discounts of 25-45%

Relying solely on taxis and ride-shares instead of learning the public transport system - typically costs 3-5x more

Eating only in tourist areas near major attractions - usually involves 100-200% markup over local prices

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak season - often results in 50-100% higher rates

Not researching free activities and museum discount days - missing potential savings of $20-50 per day