A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Fort Lauderdale vs. Saint Petersburg for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling, spirited, and luxury coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Saint Petersburg. While Saint Petersburg is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg is known for its museums and food. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Fort Lauderdale for the nightlife scene. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale and Saint Petersburg both offer first-rate beaches.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Saint Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Saint Petersburg are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Petersburg is very family-friendly. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Saint Petersburg.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Saint Petersburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Fort Lauderdale if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Petersburg.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the luxury destination of Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the scenic coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Saint Petersburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Saint Petersburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Saint Petersburg. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Saint Petersburg. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Saint Petersburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

Both Saint Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale