Astana , General info:
5/10

Formerly Tselinograd, later Akmola. Nowadays it is called Astana. Previously Astana was the oblast's center (administrative unit in Kazakhstan). Now it is a capital since 1997. The capital was transferred from Almaty. Since that time Astana is growing fast. It is situated on both sides of Esil river. The right bank is called old town, whilst the left bank is a new administrative center of the new capital.

Astana , Cheap stuff:
5/10

Astana is one the most expenssive cities in Kazakhstan along with Almaty (financial and cultural center), Atyrau (oil and gas capital) and Aktau (sea port on Caspian). Cheap stuff can be found in bazaars and large markets like "Eurasia", "Arman" and etc.

Astana , Food:
4/10

Eating is a problem in Astana though there are lots of cafes and restaurants. Unfortunately, most of them can not be considered to be cheap or good. Usually, food is expenssive and fairly good. A usual lunch for a person might cost starting from 1500 tenge (13 USD). And it is not a good lunch at all.

Astana , Hotels:
5/10

There are many hotels and lots are being built. Astana can boast Intercontinental hotel, Rixos President hotel and a few more 5* hotels. There are also 2-3 hotels with 4* grading. And lots of 2* hotels. But prices usually high inspite of fair service. A single room in 2-3* hotel might cost 40-50 usd. 6* hotels cost from 200 Usd.

Astana , Safety:
5/10

It is quite safe to walk in the downtown in midnight. Though it is highly not advised to walk somewhere in the suburbs. There lots of police cams and police booths all over the city.

Urbana , General info:
10/10

Urbana has maintained its status as a Tree City USA since the programs inception in 1976, and is the only charter member still in the program in the State of Illinois. It maintains over 100,000 trees on over 95% of its parkways.

Urbana , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Low cost of living.

Urbana , Different stuff:
9/10

Candlestick Lane is the name for a neighborhood in eastern Urbana. It is called Candlestick Lane because every year the residents decorate their yards for Christmas with lots of lights and figures. The tradition began in 1961 (maybe 1960) as a house-decorating contest sponsored by the Illinois Power Company.

The Urbana Free Library is located in the downtown area. The library is one of the first public libraries in Illinois and was founded in 1874. The library houses historical archives of Champaign County which can be used for genealogical research. The Urbana Free Library ranked 8th out of 877 public libraries rated by “American Libraries” in 2002. It has been ranked in the top 1% of American libraries every year since rankings began.

Urbana , Don't miss:
9/10

The Market at the Square - Every Saturday morning from some time in May to some time in November, dozens of vendors set up shop in the Lincoln Square parking lot in downtown Urbana. They primarily sell local produce (including corn, tomatoes, and watermelons), but one can also find local crafts, music, and booths for various community and political organizations

Urbana , Food:
8/10

Everything you can find in average U.S. city.

Urbana , Hotels:
9/10

Lots of motels and B&B which is normal comparing to size of the city, just a few hotels.

Urbana , Safety:
9/10

Crime rate is above U.S. national average.