Short term rental of private apartments is a concept that has not yet caught on big in St. Petersburg, Normally agencies handle only long-term rentals (minimum three months), which you can find listed in the St. Petersburg Times and other publications.
This is true that the rental in Russia is much lower than European one. If you are lucky you can rent an apartment in the most prestigious district for $100 per month. Most apartments of St. Petersburg cost just what an ordinary Russian can afford and their level is very different from the European one.
They are, especially in the center, run-down and full of surprises (exploding sockets, water shutdowns, creepy crawls, staircase dark and dirty like backstairs…) So, prices advertised per 1m2 can differ 15 times.

All apartments of our database respond to all European demands. Their walls are right, hot water is never shut off, and the door and lock are secure. They are good repaired and designed.
They possess all things that are usual for European apartments: color TV ("Panasonic" type), automatic washing machine, and well working brilliant sanitary equipment.
They are irreproachably clean and well furnished. We chose them from the heart of the city and pay the yard-keeper extra so that he would keep washing their staircase.
If you are still hesitating and worry about surprises we leave you all necessary telephone numbers inside including English speaking doctor's one who would come to see you day and night if this need happens. Renting any of our apartments will make you feel at Home !
Our prices depend from the room's area and the design.

1 bedroom apartment: $40-$65
2 bedroom apartment: $50-75
3 bedroom apartment: $80-$100