A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Saint Augustine vs. Saint Petersburg for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg

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

Saint Augustine and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Saint Petersburg are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg is known for its resorts and beaches. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Saint Augustine different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Saint Augustine and Saint Petersburg have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Both Saint Augustine and Saint Petersburg offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Saint Petersburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is very popular for its beaches. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. 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.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is terrific for its historic old town. However, Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Augustine is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Saint Petersburg are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Saint Petersburg are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Saint Petersburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine and Saint Petersburg.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

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

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg. In our opinion, Saint Augustine has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Augustine than Saint Petersburg. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Saint Petersburg 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 Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find food and shopping around the notable destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The underrated 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 Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic city of Saint Augustine. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Augustine is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Augustine and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg than you might in Saint Augustine.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°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 Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Saint Augustine gets 286 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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Saint Petersburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is cooler than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°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 Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Saint Petersburg during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Saint Petersburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint Augustine is generally cooler than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Saint Petersburg. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

Both Saint Petersburg and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches.

Saint Augustine is cooler than Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Saint Augustine