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.

Phoenix , General info:
10/10

Phoenix is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona and the county seat of Maricopa County, as well as being the largest state capital in the United States by population. It is the largest city in the American Southwest and the Mountain Time Zone, and is the region's primary government, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Phoenix is located along the banks of the now normally dry Salt River.

Phoenix has an arid climate, and its average annual maximum temperature is the highest of any major US city. The temperature reaches or exceeds 100°F (38°C) on an average of 89 days during the year, including most days from early June through early September.

The Phoenix airport, called Sky Harbor International Airport, is the sixth busiest airport in the country.

Phoenix , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Cost of living in Arizona is cheaper than in other major U.S. cities but that the salaries are lower

Phoenix , Different stuff:
9/10

The main Heard Museum is located on Central Avenue in Phoenix. The Heard has grown in size and stature to where now it is recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, its educational programming and its festivals. The current collection of the Heard Museum consists of over 40,000 items and it has over 130,000 square feet (12,000 m²) of gallery, classroom and performance space.

Phoenix , Don't miss:
9/10

The Phoenix Zoo, opened in 1962, is the largest non-profit zoo in the United States. The zoo operates on 125 acres of land in the Papago Park area of Phoenix. The zoo has approximately 1,200 animals on display, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of walking trails, and other attractions.

Also don't miss to see a saguaro cactus .

Phoenix , Food:
9/10

There are thousands of restaurants in the Phoenix, Arizona area and choosing the perfect one can sometimes be difficult task. Like all other mayor cities in the U.S. Phoenix has it all, from American Traditional, to Chineese, European Mexican and Latin food.

Phoenix , Hotels:
10/10

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Ritz Carlton Phoenix, Royal Palms Hotel And Spa, Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa... And for those who like going out of town, The Phoenician, Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa.