With the World Cup finally here, online lettings platform Urban.co.uk looks at which host city offers the best mix of affordable rental property, transport, food and drink.

Eyes will be on Russia for the next month, as 32 teams play 65 games across 12 venues in 11 different cities – the final game taking place in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15.

Russia’s vast landscape means that travelling across the country via public transport can take days. Therefore, the best bet for supporters looking to catch consistent World Cup vibes is to stay in the city.

By analysing the cost of renting for the duration of the tournament, the price to travel the city for the month and the cost of food and drink, Urban.co.uk picked out the most affordable Russian locations for eager football fans.

It found that, on average, a month’s rent for a one-bedroom flat in a Russian city centre is just £350, with a monthly travel card costing just over £20. Beer, meanwhile, costs less than £1 and a three-course meal for two can be had for roughly £25.

Saransk

While Saransk is one of the smaller host cities with a population of under 34,000, it managed to come out at the top of the list as the best location to soak up the atmosphere on a budget.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city for the duration of the tournament would cost around £181, with a travel card setting you back a tenner. With a 78p pint of local beer and a three-course meal for two for just £18, it’s no wonder the city is the top choice for a Russian rental.

Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad is situated 350 miles from the Russian boarder. It lies in a small coastal inlet landlocked by Lithuania and Poland to the east and south and the Baltic Sea to the north.

England fans will be able to check out the stadium on June 28 when the Tree Lions take on Belgium. Renting an apartment here would cost just £194 for the month, while a travel card for the duration of the tournament will cost £25. Like Saransk, a beer will set you back less than £1 and a three-course meal for two just £22.

Volgograd

Known as a fierce battleground in WW2 and the former city of Stalingrad, Volgograd is the third best city for an affordable stay in Russia. The stadium is still under construction, however, renting a one-bedroom flat will cost £235, a monthly travel card is priced at £10, a pint of beer is marginally over £1 and a meal for two costs just under £20.

Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Kazan, Samara and Ekaterinburg also appeared in the list, all home to below average rental costs, with the cost of travel, food and drink varying. However, each city comes in below the cost when compered to the wider Russian average.

What’s more, the three of Russian’s best-known cities – Sochi, Saint Petersburg and Moscow – featured in the list, providing some of the best options for football fans seeking a bargain. Renting a one-bedroom flat could cost between £420 and £700 for the month, while travel, food and drink remain fairly affordable. For wandering England fans, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities available in these cities.

“While property prices differ depending on geographical location, the affordability of homeownership is relative to the local market and is largely beyond reach for many,” Adam Male, director of lettings at Urban.co.uk, said.

“The great thing about the rental market is that it can offer options for all budgets, all within he same town or city, and by doing your research you can find the place to suit your needs and your wallet.”

The best budget-friendly locations in Russia for the duration of the tournament can be found in the table below: