I spent 3 months last year crossing Russia from Vladivostok to St Petersburg (this included 3 weeks in Mongolia en-route) and my costs worked out at about $70 day overall. This was for everything from landing to leaving so it includes all port fees in Vladivostoc (about $300), insurances Russia and Mongolia ($50 and $25 respectively) and all food, petrol, accommodation and bike service items like tyres (2 fronts, 1 rear) and oil. Also includes entry tickets in major cities like St Petersburg for a few attractions.
I camped about 1/3 time (free), cheap accommodation in hostels etc about 1/3 (typically $15-$20 night) and hotels the rest ($75-$125 night). Food tended to be cheap truck stops and cafe's (average probably $10 - $15 day). I reckon if budget had been everything I might have got it to $50 day average but for me anything less would have been very tough. Remember we all have different styles and you might be more resourceful. Interestingly I didn't find St P (or Moscow) "eye wateringly expensive" - in both cities I found hostels at less than $20 night, cheap cafe's (stolovayia's) and cheap public transport. Even museums such as the Hermitage were by western europe standards not excessive (but I agree not cheap).
Hope this helps
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