Fes vs. Saint Petersburg: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Fes, located in Morocco, is a vibrant historical city with a population of approximately 1.1 million, while Saint Petersburg, situated in Russia, is a major cultural and economic hub with a significantly larger population of over 5.5 million. Both cities present distinct profiles in terms of cost of living and quality of life. Fes generally offers a lower cost of living compared to Saint Petersburg, though certain aspects like property prices and quality metrics differ substantially. The overall economic environment, influenced by factors such as GDP per capita and population growth rates, also varies considerably between the two cities, impacting their attractiveness for residents and investors alike.

Fes demonstrates a lower average net salary of $452.50 per month compared to Saint Petersburg's $1,241.10. However, the cost of housing in Fes is considerably more affordable, with property prices at $1,159.83 per square meter versus Saint Petersburg's $4,302.83. The significantly lower mortgage interest rate in Fes at 1.27% compared to Saint Petersburg's 21.27% further enhances its appeal for potential homebuyers. Despite Morocco's lower GDP per capita of $8,900, the country's GDP growth rate of 3.6% aligns with Russia's rate, suggesting comparable economic expansion, though population growth in Fes at 0.49% is slightly higher than in Saint Petersburg.

Saint Petersburg scores considerably higher on the quality of life index at 125.23 compared to Fes's 83.01. The city also boasts a higher safety index (62.37 vs. 32.37) and a lower cost of living index (41.39 vs. 83.01). Healthcare quality is slightly superior in Fes with an index of 61.64, while Saint Petersburg scores 61.64 as well. The climate index is lower in both cities (60.64 for Saint Petersburg and 60.64 for Fes), but Fes has a notably shorter average annual commute time of 26.12 hours versus Saint Petersburg's 49.12 hours. Pollution levels are slightly lower in Fes (60.86) compared to Saint Petersburg (60.86).

Both cities exhibit similar GDP growth rates of 3.6%, though Fes has a higher population growth rate of 0.49% compared to Saint Petersburg's 0.49%. The investment climate differs significantly, with Fes offering substantially lower property prices and a much more favorable mortgage interest rate. Career opportunities may differ based on individual professional needs, but the economic indicators suggest that while Fes presents more affordable living options, Saint Petersburg offers greater potential for higher income and better quality-of-life amenities.

Fes presents a more affordable option for those prioritizing lower living expenses, particularly in terms of housing, though it scores lower on overall quality of life metrics. Saint Petersburg, while more expensive, offers superior quality of life, better healthcare, higher safety, and more amenities, making it suitable for those prioritizing these factors despite the higher cost. The decision between these two cities ultimately depends on individual priorities regarding cost versus quality of life, with each city catering to different needs and preferences.