MOST EXPENSIVE CITY IN THE WORLD? I know you've heard it before - but here's some crazy proof:

250 ml bottle of bubbly water in a coffee house - 85 rubles plus tip or $4

Starbucks grande latte 180 rubles, or $7 plus change

use of a porta potty 15-20 rubles, or 60 to 80 cents - there is a lady that is paid to collect the money outside the stalls

10 minute taxi ride - asking price starts at 2000 rubles, negotiation down to 500 rubles, or $22

40 minute boat ride on the Moscow river, 350 rubles, or $16

It's utterly insane. The metro costs 10 rubles, or 50 cents - which is a lot for a regular Russian

Gold's Gym membership per year is $1800 - my 2 gym membership isn't looking that bad after all!

I'm sure there are more examples - but I have tried to maintain discipline and pee only at home, walk the extra mile, skip the boat ride, carry my own water bottle, and give up coffee.