Which place is cheaper, Saint Petersburg or Ios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ios or Saint Petersburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ios or Saint Petersburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Ios or Saint Petersburg?
Ios
Ios is an island in the south of Greece, located in the Cyclades group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a peaceful beach getaway by day, and a lively party scene by night. While its main town is the hub for nightlife, it is also a charming place during the day, typical of a traditional Greek village with shops and cafes against a backdrop of whitewashed buildings and turquoise waters.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, and The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIos €91Saint Petersburg €59
The average daily cost (per person) in Ios is €91, while the average daily cost in Saint Petersburg is €59. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ios and Saint Petersburg in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIos €39Saint Petersburg €34
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIos €78Saint Petersburg €68
Compare Hotels in Ios and Saint Petersburg
Looking for a hotel in Ios 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.
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: Ios Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ios €16Saint Petersburg €6.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ios
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ios:
- 1-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to the Greek Islands: $2,408
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
-
Metro Passes€1.26
Is it cheaper to fly into Ios or Saint Petersburg?
Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg and Ios 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 dayIos €33Saint Petersburg €17
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two€4.32
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ios €26Saint Petersburg €17
Tours and Activities in Ios
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ios are as follows:
- 5 -6 Hour Private Chora E-Bike Tours: $130
- Electric Bike Tour Chora to Diaseli Cheesery: $108
- Electric Bike Tour Chora to Homer's Tomp: $108
- From RIB Boat Trip to Sikinos Island and Winery Tour: $84
- Ios Island Trekking Tours: Discover Ios Unexplored: $27
- Ios Island: Speedboat Cruise from Mylopotas Beach: $52
- 4-Hour Cruise of the Best Beaches: $63
- Private Orienteering Experience in Mylopotas: $163
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIos €33Saint Petersburg €9.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Ios
Also in Ios, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl Ios Ticket in Cyclades: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ios and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Ios 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 Ios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ios than you might in Saint Petersburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ios Expensive? and Is Saint Petersburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ios or Saint Petersburg?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 2240 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.