A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Saint Petersburg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Athens or Saint Petersburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Saint Petersburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Athens or Saint Petersburg?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

Which city is cheaper, Saint Petersburg or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €103, while the average daily cost in Saint Petersburg is €75. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Saint Petersburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €51
    Saint Petersburg €43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €102
    Saint Petersburg €86
Compare Hotels in Athens and Saint Petersburg

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Saint Petersburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Athens


Hotels in Saint Petersburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €22
    Saint Petersburg €8.63
Typical Local Transportation prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    €6.40
  • Metro
    €1.50
  • Metro
    €2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    €8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    €35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • iMove Transfers Services Athens: $75
  • VIP VAN Piraeus Port Transfer 1 - 8 persons or Alimos Kalamaki Marina to Athens: $61
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $101
  • VIP VAN Airport Transfer 5 - 8 persons: $105
  • VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $167
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $174
  • VAN Piraeus Port Transfer 1 - 8 persons or Alimos Kalamaki Marina to Athens: $39
  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Athens City Centre to Piraeus Cruise Port: $9.41
  • Ultra - Athens Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Athens Airport ATH: $9.41
  • Transfers around Athens and city tours: $373
  • Transfers and Guided Tours in all over Greece, sightseeing and Private hire!!: $106
  • Transfer to Loutraki/Corinth from Athens: $166

Typical Local Transportation prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    €1.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Petersburg

Also for Saint Petersburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • St Petersburg Airport Transfers : St Petersburg to Airport LED in Luxury Car: $103
  • St Petersburg Airport Transfers : St Petersburg to Airport LED in Luxury Van: $89
  • St Petersburg Departure Private Transfers from St Petersburg City to Airport LED: $84
  • Departure Private Transfer St Petersburg City to Pulkovo Airport LED - LuxuryCar: $80
  • St Petersburg Transfer from city hotels or Cruise port to Pulkovo Airport (LED): $68
  • St Petersburg Airport Transfers : St Petersburg to Airport LED by Business Car: $63
  • Departure Private Transfer St. Petersburg to Pulkovo Airport LED by Business Car: $61
  • Departure Private Transfer St Petersburg City to Pulkovo Airport LED - LuxuryVan: $39
  • Private Transfer from St. Petersburg City Center to Peterhof Palace: $37
  • Private Transfer from Peterhof Palace to St. Petersburg City Center: $36
  • St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED) to hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • St. Petersburg to St.Petersburg Pulkovo Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Saint Petersburg?

Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Athens €30
    Saint Petersburg €22
Typical Food prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    €3.00
  • Souvlaki
    €2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters: $6.22
  • Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local: $42
  • Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies: $45
  • Street Culture & Food Tour: $56
  • Afternoon Food Tour: $56
  • Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $60
  • 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit: $69
  • Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups: $75
  • The Classic Food Tour: $76
  • Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour: $77
  • Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $77

Typical Food prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    €6.82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Enjoy Russian Delicacies in St Petersburg: Cooking Demo and Meal with a Local: $80
  • Private Dining: Russian dinner in a traditional St. Petersburg apartment: $91
  • Cooking Class and a Dinner with a Local Family (8 people max): $92
  • Off-the-tourist Path Food Tour: $103
  • Local Market Tour and Cooking Demo with a Homemade Russian Meal in St Petersburg: $107
  • Borscht and cabbage pie cooking class and dinner for small private groups: $109
  • FOOD TOUR. St.Petersburg: $150
  • Private Cooking Class: Learn the secrets of Borsch and Beef Stroganoff: $166
  • Private Cooking Class: Russian Blini with Red Caviar and Shchi soup: $179
  • Private Cooking Class: Russian Shchi soup and Blini with Red Caviar: $187
  • Private Cooking Class: Hands-on Siberian Pelmeni Making Workshop: $188
  • Private Cooking Class: Siberian Pelmeni, Stolichny salad and Borsch: $212

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €28
    Saint Petersburg €21

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • "A Must-See" Anc. Epidaurus, Mycenae & Nafplion Premium Full Day Tour By Locals: $411
  • "Athens city tour": $270
  • "Private tour in Athens": $243
  • ''Tour in Athens'': $118
  • 1 Day Private Tour Corinth, Cave of Lakes at Kalavrita & Journey by Cog Railway: $264
  • 1 Day Private tour to Meteora, visit the Monasteries are lying on the cliffs.: $317
  • 1 Day Saronic Islands Cruise: $168
  • 10 Day Greek Island Tour: Mykonos, Santorini-Volcano, Crete, Delos, Knossos,: $2,457
  • 10 Day Ultimate Ancient Greece Tours Experience: $2,411
  • 10 Day to Explore the Best Historical Gems in Greece and tour in Santorini: $1,798
  • 10 Days Private Tour: North Greece: $2,706
  • 10 Days Private Tour: Peloponnese: $2,706

Tours and Activities in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Day Visa-Free Tour in St Petersburg with Faberge Collection: $265
  • 1-day private Visa-Free tour in St Petersburg with Peterhof: $257
  • 1.5-Hours Saint Petersburg's Metro Tour Hidden Treasures: $25
  • 2-Day Small-Group Visa-Free Tour - Top Highlights of St Petersburg: $20
  • 3 Hour Photo Shoot Tours St. Petersburg, Russia: $564
  • Basic 2-day tour in St Petersburg for cruise passengers: $425
  • Catherine Palace and Park: Private tour to Tsarskoe Selo: $120
  • Classic 2 Day Tour of St Petersburg Russia.No hidden costs.9 years of experience: $349
  • Daily Canon Shot at Peter and Paul Fortress + Museum of Revolution Private Tour: $162
  • Essential 2-Day Visa-Free Tour for Cruise Ships in St Petersburg: $465
  • Evening River and Canal Cruise Visas Included: $86
  • Guided Tour Peter and Paul Fortress, Cathedral and Prison: $56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €18
    Saint Petersburg €11

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $37
  • Virtual Greek Wine Tasting: $87
  • Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Wine tasting tour: $131
  • Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour: $133
  • The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour: $140
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens: $148
  • Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth: $148
  • Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes: $149
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $151
  • Greek Private Wine Tasting: $166
  • Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting: $168

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Saint Petersburg.


When is the best time to visit Athens or Saint Petersburg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Saint Petersburg. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Petersburg stays around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Athens or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Saint Petersburg. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the autumn. The temperature in Athens is usually 19°C (67°F) in October, and Saint Petersburg stays around 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 70 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Athens or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January are around 10°C (51°F), and Saint Petersburg is about -8°C (18°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 22 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)

Should I visit Athens or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

Both Saint Petersburg and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Saint Petersburg stays around 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 180 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Athens

Athens Saint Petersburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)


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Athens vs. Saint Petersburg Travel Comparison

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