Most Russians choose St. Petersburg as the country’s most culturally rich city, with 57 percent of respondents naming it as their top cultural hub. Data from Rabota.ru analysis lands in the hands of socialbites.ca for this report.
Respondents highlighted St. Petersburg as a center filled with research institutes, cultural venues, and universities, contributing to its reputation as a beacon of knowledge and culture.
Moscow follows in second place on the cultural city list, with 39 percent of voters. People point to the capital’s strong scientific landscape, with 67 percent citing scientific potential, 53 percent noting access to higher education, and 48 percent referencing extensive museums, libraries, and theaters.
Novosibirsk ranks third, drawing a share of about one third of the responses.
The National Research University Higher School of Economics notes that the education level across Russia has become notably high. Roughly one in three adults holds a higher education degree, while an equal portion has secondary specialized training. In the ongoing digital transformation, the outlook on education and career is shifting. More workers pursue secondary vocational education because it often aligns with initial job entry, and further work-based education follows to match evolving career needs. The trend toward continuing education remains strong, according to Yulia Sanina, who leads Human Resources and Organizational Development at Rabota.ru.
Yekaterinburg and Kazan appear in the top five for having cultured and educated populations. Yekaterinburg is recognized for scientific potential, educational opportunities, and a rich historical legacy. Those who included Kazan in their ratings pointed to similar strengths, underscoring the city’s cultural and intellectual profile.
Other cities that rank high in culture include Kaliningrad (27%), Nizhny Novgorod (27%), Vladivostok (25%), Rostov-on-Don (19%), and Tyumen (19%). Evaluations focused on scientific capacity, access to education, the number of cultural and artistic institutions, and the preservation of historical heritage.
Earlier data show a broader positive trend, with many Russians acknowledging improvements tied to national projects across the country. [Rabota.ru study] [Higher School of Economics findings] [National context analysis]