While much of Russia’s territory is sparsely populated, its urban centers are dynamic hubs of culture, politics, and industry. The top Russian cities by population showcase the nation’s demographic landscape, with millions concentrated in just a handful of urban areas.

Top 309 Russian Cities

(Based on 2021 Population Census)

Rank	Town / City	Population
1	Moscow	13,010,112
2	Saint Petersburg	5,601,911
3	Novosibirsk	1,633,595
4	Yekaterinburg	1,544,376
5	Kazan	1,308,660
6	Nizhny Novgorod	1,228,199
7	Chelyabinsk	1,189,525
8	Krasnoyarsk	1,187,771
9	Samara	1,173,299
10	Ufa	1,144,809
11	Rostov-on-Don	1,142,162
12	Omsk	1,125,695
13	Krasnodar	1,099,344
14	Voronezh	1,057,681
15	Perm	1,034,002
16	Volgograd	1,028,036
17	Saratov	901,361
18	Tyumen	847,488
19	Tolyatti	684,709
20	Barnaul	630,877
21	Izhevsk	623,472
22	Makhachkala	623,254
23	Khabarovsk	617,441
24	Ulyanovsk	617,352
25	Irkutsk	617,264
26	Vladivostok	603,519
27	Yaroslavl	577,279
28	Kemerovo	557,119
29	Tomsk	556,478
30	Naberezhnye Chelny	548,434
—	Sevastopol	547,820
31	Stavropol	547,443
32	Orenburg	543,654
33	Novokuznetsk	537,480
34	Ryazan	528,599
35	Balashikha	520,962
36	Penza	501,109
37	Cheboksary	497,807
38	Lipetsk	496,403
39	Kaliningrad	490,449
40	Astrakhan	475,629
41	Tula	473,622
42	Kirov	468,212
43	Sochi	466,078
44	Kursk	440,052
45	Ulan-Ude	437,565
46	Tver	416,219
47	Magnitogorsk	410,594
48	Surgut	396,443
49	Bryansk	379,152
50	Ivanovo	361,644
51	Yakutsk	355,443
52	Vladimir	349,951
—	Simferopol	340,540
53	Belgorod	339,978
54	Nizhny Tagil	338,966
55	Kaluga	337,058
56	Chita	334,427
57	Grozny	328,533
58	Volzhsky	321,479
59	Smolensk	316,570
60	Podolsk	314,934
61	Saransk	314,871
62	Vologda	313,944
63	Kurgan	310,911
64	Cherepovets	305,185
65	Oryol	303,169
66	Arkhangelsk	301,199
67	Vladikavkaz	295,830
68	Nizhnevartovsk	283,256
69	Yoshkar-Ola	281,248
70	Sterlitamak	277,410
71	Murmansk	270,384
72	Kostroma	267,481
73	Novorossiysk	262,293
74	Tambov	261,803
75	Khimki	257,128
76	Mytishchi	255,429
77	Nalchik	247,054
78	Taganrog	245,120
79	Nizhnekamsk	241,479
80	Blagoveshchensk	241,437
81	Komsomolsk-on-Amur	238,505
82	Petrozavodsk	234,897
83	Korolyov	228,095
84	Shakhty	226,452
85	Engels	225,428
86	Veliky Novgorod	224,286
87	Lyubertsy	224,195
88	Bratsk	224,071
89	Stary Oskol	221,676
90	Angarsk	221,296
91	Syktyvkar	220,580
92	Dzerzhinsk	218,630
93	Pskov	193,082
94	Orsk	189,195
95	Krasnogorsk	187,634
96	Armavir	187,177
97	Abakan	184,769
98	Balakovo	184,466
99	Biysk	183,852
100	Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk	181,587
101	Odintsovo	180,530
102	Ussuriysk	180,393
103	Prokopyevsk	177,819
104	Rybinsk	177,295
105	Norilsk	174,453
106	Volgodonsk	168,048
107	Syzran	165,725
108	Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky	164,900
109	Kamensk-Uralsky	164,192
110	Novocherkassk	163,674
111	Almetyevsk	163,512
112	Zlatoust	161,774
113	Severodvinsk	157,213
114	Khasavyurt	155,144
—	Kerch	154,621
115	Domodedovo	152,404
116	Salavat	148,575
117	Miass	147,995
118	Kopeysk	147,806
119	Pyatigorsk	146,473
120	Elektrostal	146,403
121	Maykop	143,385
122	Nakhodka	139,931
123	Berezniki	138,069
124	Kolomna	134,850
125	Shchyolkovo	134,211
126	Serpukhov	133,793
127	Kovrov	132,417
128	Neftekamsk	131,942
129	Kislovodsk	127,521
130	Bataysk	126,988
131	Rubtsovsk	126,834
132	Obninsk	125,376
133	Kyzyl	125,241
134	Derbent	124,953
135	Nefteyugansk	124,732
136	Nazran	122,350
137	Kaspiysk	121,140
138	Dolgoprudny	120,907
139	Novocheboksarsk	120,375
140	Novomoskovsk	119,697
141	Yessentuki	119,658
142	Nevinnomyssk	117,562
143	Oktyabrsky	115,557
144	Ramenskoye	114,537
145	Pervouralsk	114,450
146	Mikhaylovsk	114,133
147	Reutov	113,871
148	Cherkessk	113,226
149	Zhukovsky	111,222
150	Dimitrovgrad	110,968
151	Pushkino	110,868
152	Artyom	109,556
153	Kamyshin	107,927
—	Yevpatoria	107,877
154	Murom	107,497
155	Khanty-Mansiysk	107,473
156	Novy Urengoy	107,251
157	Seversk	106,648
158	Orekhovo-Zuyevo	105,745
159	Arzamas	104,908
160	Noginsk	103,891
161	Novoshakhtinsk	103,480
162	Berdsk	102,850
163	Elista	102,583
164	Sergiyev Posad	101,756
165	Vidnoye	101,490
166	Achinsk	100,621
167	Tobolsk	100,352
168	Noyabrsk	100,188
169	Yelets	99,875
170	Zelenodolsk	99,137
171	Novokuybyshevsk	98,306
172	Votkinsk	97,471
173	Zheleznogorsk	97,038
174	Mezhdurechensk	96,174
175	Voskresensk	95,495
176	Gatchina	94,377
177	Serov	94,211
178	Sarov	93,357
179	Leninsk-Kuznetsky	92,244
180	Sarapul	91,115
181	Magadan	90,757
182	Michurinsk	90,451
183	Solikamsk	89,473
184	Murino	89,083
185	Chekhov	89,025
186	Klin	88,511
187	Buzuluk	88,341
188	Glazov	87,762
189	Kansk	86,816
190	Velikiye Luki	86,711
191	Kamensk-Shakhtinsky	86,365
192	Gubkin	85,225
193	Kiselyovsk	83,431
194	Yeysk	82,943
195	Ivanteyevka	82,827
196	Lobnya	82,764
197	Zheleznogorsk	82,723
198	Azov	81,924
199	Anapa	81,863
200	Bugulma	81,677
201	Gelendzhik	80,204
202	Ukhta	79,899
203	Yurga	79,693
204	Ust-Ilimsk	79,570
205	Vsevolozhsk	79,038
206	Novouralsk	78,479
207	Kuznetsk	78,390
208	Bor	78,372
209	Kineshma	77,694
210	Ozyorsk	76,896
211	Novotroitsk	75,960
212	Kropotkin	75,858
213	Chaykovsky	75,837
214	Chernogorsk	75,745
215	Usolye-Sibirskoye	74,762
—	Yalta	74,652
216	Dubna	74,183
217	Balashov	74,057
218	Yelabuga	73,630
219	Novoaltaysk	73,049
220	Vyborg	72,530
221	Yegoryevsk	71,686
222	Verkhnyaya Pyshma	71,335
223	Naro-Fominsk	71,121
224	Mineralnye Vody	70,485
225	Troitsk	70,301
226	Chapayevsk	70,228
227	Minusinsk	70,089
228	Birobidzhan	70,064
229	Shadrinsk	68,609
230	Belovo	68,542
231	Tuymazy	68,349
232	Sertolovo	68,241
233	Buynaksk	68,121
234	Ishim	67,614
235	Kirovo-Chepetsk	66,651
236	Anzhero-Sudzhensk	66,583
—	Feodosia	66,293
237	Dmitrov	65,574
238	Sosnovy Bor	65,367
239	Gorno-Altaysk	65,342
240	Lytkarino	65,212
241	Pavlovsky Posad	65,098
242	Beloretsk	64,525
243	Stupino	64,412
244	Gudermes	64,376
245	Ishimbay	64,041
246	Donskoy	63,837
247	Kotelniki	63,728
248	Kstovo	63,646
249	Urus-Martan	63,449
250	Georgiyevsk	63,221
251	Klintsy	63,059
252	Nyagan	63,034
253	Slavyansk-na-Kubani	62,985
254	Kungur	62,673
255	Sunzha	62,078
256	Tuapse	61,571
257	Kogalym	61,441
258	Belogorsk	61,440
259	Leninogorsk	60,993
260	Rossosh	60,879
261	Aleksin	60,842
262	Borisoglebsk	60,687
263	Fryazino	60,580
264	Gukovo	60,361
265	Revda	60,200
266	Prokhladny	59,938
267	Beryozovsky	59,698
268	Belebey	59,195
269	Chistopol	58,815
270	Zarechny	58,510
271	Budyonnovsk	58,103
272	Kumertau	57,949
273	Salsk	57,937
274	Dzerzhinsky	57,918
275	Labinsk	57,428
276	Asbest	57,317
277	Iskitim	57,147
278	Pavlovo	57,116
279	Alexandrov	57,053
280	Vorkuta	56,985
281	Sibay	56,514
282	Meleuz	56,505
283	Kotlas	56,093
284	Mikhaylovka	56,031
285	Izberbash	55,996
286	Krasnoturyinsk	55,875
287	Belorechensk	55,870
288	Rzhev	55,757
289	Lesosibirsk	55,730
290	Tikhoretsk	55,686
291	Tikhvin	55,415
292	Shuya	55,225
293	Polevskoy	55,182
294	Shchyokino	55,109
295	Shali	55,054
296	Volsk	55,035
297	Krymsk	54,597
298	Zelenogorsk	54,279
299	Liski	54,147
300	Lysva	53,855
301	Neryungri	53,409
302	Volzhsk	53,013
303	Vyazma	51,950
304	Timashyovsk	51,858
305	Gus-Khrustalny	51,552
306	Krasnokamensk	51,137
307	Kirishi	51,028
308	Snezhinsk	50,619
309	Zhigulyovsk	50,466

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Moscow: The Largest City in Russia

Population Growth and Urban Expansion

Moscow is Russia’s most populous city, with over 13 million residents within city limits and more than 20 million in the metropolitan area. The population continues to grow due to migration from across Russia and neighboring countries.

Economic and Political Importance

As the nation’s capital, Moscow is the political, financial, and administrative center of Russia. It houses government institutions, foreign embassies, and headquarters of major corporations.

Lifestyle in Moscow

Moscow is known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse cultural events, and efficient public transportation system. However, high living costs and heavy traffic remain challenges for residents.

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Saint Petersburg: The Cultural and Demographic Powerhouse

Population Trends in Saint Petersburg

With a population of about 5.6 million, Saint Petersburg is Russia’s second-largest city. Known as the “Northern Capital,” it remains a key cultural and historical center.

Education and Cultural Influence

Saint Petersburg is home to world-class institutions like the Hermitage Museum and Saint Petersburg State University. Its intellectual and cultural influence extends across Russia.

Quality of Life in the City

The city offers a more European lifestyle compared to Moscow, with scenic canals, classical architecture, and a slower pace of life, although winters are long and harsh.

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Novosibirsk: The Capital of Siberia

Population and Urban Development

Novosibirsk is the third-largest city, with 1.6 million residents. Founded in the late 19th century during the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, it quickly became Siberia’s economic hub.

Scientific and Industrial Contributions

It is famous for Akademgorodok, a scientific research hub that continues to contribute to Russia’s technological progress.

Living in Novosibirsk

Despite cold winters, Novosibirsk offers a balance between industrial development and cultural life, with theaters, museums, and parks.

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Yekaterinburg: Gateway to the Urals

Demographic Growth Patterns

With a population of around 1.5 million, Yekaterinburg ranks fourth. Its position between Europe and Asia has made it a strategic economic and cultural crossroads.

Business and Industry

Yekaterinburg is one of Russia’s top financial centers outside Moscow, hosting international businesses and industries in metallurgy and machinery.

City Life and Attractions

Cultural attractions include the Church on the Blood and a modern skyline that blends Soviet architecture with contemporary high-rises.

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Kazan: The Multicultural City

Population Dynamics of Tatarstan’s Capital

Kazan, with nearly 1.3 million residents, is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

It is renowned for its harmonious coexistence of Russian and Tatar cultures, with landmarks like the Kazan Kremlin and the Kul Sharif Mosque.

Modern Growth Factors

Kazan’s population growth is supported by its strong economy, universities, and role as a sports and tourism destination.

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Nizhny Novgorod: Trade and Population Hub

Population and Migration Trends

Nizhny Novgorod, with 1.2 million people, historically thrived as a trade hub along the Volga River.

Economy and Industries

The city is strong in shipbuilding, machinery, and IT, making it a modern industrial center.

Urban Lifestyle

It blends historic landmarks like the Kremlin with modern business districts, attracting both residents and tourists.

Chelyabinsk: Industrial City of the Urals

Population Size and Development

Chelyabinsk is home to about 1.1 million residents, making it one of Russia’s major industrial centers. Its population grew rapidly during the Soviet era, especially in World War II when defense industries relocated here.

Industrial Significance

Known as “Tankograd” during the war, Chelyabinsk still thrives on metallurgy, machinery, and heavy industry.

Life in Chelyabinsk

Despite its industrial reputation, the city has cultural venues like the Chelyabinsk State Academic Drama Theater and museums. However, air pollution remains a concern for residents.

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Samara: The Volga River Metropolis

Population Statistics

Samara, with around 1.1 million residents, is an important economic and cultural city along the Volga River.

Aerospace Legacy and Economy

Samara is famous for its aerospace industry—space rockets used in the Soviet and Russian space programs were built here.

Modern Urban Life

The city’s riverside embankment is a popular recreation area. Samara also has a vibrant cultural life, hosting music and theater festivals.

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Omsk: Siberia’s Historical City

Population Growth and Challenges

Omsk, located in southwestern Siberia, has a population of about 1.1 million. Once a major fortress city, it expanded as an administrative and military hub.

Economic Role in Western Siberia

The city’s economy relies on oil refining, chemicals, and machinery. Its location makes it a transportation hub for western Siberia.

Cultural Aspects of Omsk

Omsk boasts theaters, museums, and a strong literary tradition, being the hometown of writer Fyodor Dostoevsky for part of his life.

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Rostov-on-Don: Southern Russia’s Hub

Demographic Trends

Rostov-on-Don has nearly 1.1 million residents and is one of the fastest-growing cities in southern Russia due to migration from rural areas and neighboring regions.

Role in Trade and Transportation

Its strategic location near the Sea of Azov makes it a vital port city and a key transport hub for both rail and road.

Lifestyle and Culture

Rostov is known for its southern hospitality, lively markets, and vibrant cultural life, earning it the nickname “the Gates to the Caucasus.”

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Other Major Russian Cities by Population

While Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other megacities dominate, several cities also exceed 1 million residents, shaping regional economies and cultures:

• Ufa – Capital of Bashkortostan, known for its oil and chemical industries.
• Krasnoyarsk – A Siberian city famous for its natural beauty and the Yenisei River.
• Perm – An industrial city in the Urals with a strong cultural scene.
• Voronezh – A historic city and center for aerospace and engineering.
• Volgograd – Formerly Stalingrad, historically significant for its World War II battle.

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Comparative Analysis of Russia’s Largest Cities

Population Distribution Across Regions

Russia’s population is concentrated in the western part of the country, especially in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and the Volga region. Siberian cities like Novosibirsk and Omsk, though large, are much more isolated.

Urbanization Trends

Urbanization in Russia is steady, with younger generations moving to major cities for work and education. This has led to declining populations in smaller towns and rural areas.

Challenges of Megacities

While major cities offer economic opportunities, they also face challenges:

• Overcrowding in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
• Environmental concerns in industrial cities like Chelyabinsk.
• Infrastructure strains in rapidly growing cities like Rostov-on-Don.

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FAQs on Russian Cities by Population

1. What is the largest city in Russia by population?
Moscow, with over 13 million residents within city limits.

2. How many Russian cities have over 1 million people?
Currently, around 15 cities in Russia exceed 1 million residents.

3. Which is the largest city in Siberia?
Novosibirsk, with about 1.6 million people, is Siberia’s biggest city.

4. Is Saint Petersburg more expensive than Moscow?
No, Moscow is generally more expensive. Saint Petersburg offers a lower cost of living while maintaining a high cultural quality of life.

5. Which Russian city has the fastest population growth?
Rostov-on-Don and Kazan have shown significant growth in recent years.

6. Why are many Russian cities located in the west of the country?
Western Russia has a milder climate, fertile land, and historical trade routes, making it more favorable for settlement.