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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Albufeira?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Albufeira? 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: Saint Petersburg or Albufeira?

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.

Albufeira

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Albufeira or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is $158. 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 Saint Petersburg and Albufeira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Albufeira $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Albufeira $158
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Albufeira

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Albufeira? 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 Saint Petersburg


Hotels in Albufeira


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: Albufeira Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Albufeira $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Transfer Vilamoura - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $79
  • Transfer Vilamoura - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $71
  • Transfer Vilamoura - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $71
  • Transfer Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $164
  • Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $64
  • Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $140
  • Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $151
  • Transfer Tavira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $47
  • Transfer Silves - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Transfer Silves - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Transfer Quarteira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $79
  • Transfer Quarteira - Alamos Golf (Portimão) : $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Albufeira?

Prices for flights to both Albufeira and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Albufeira $51
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Albufeira.

  • A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
  • Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
  • Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
  • Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
  • Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
  • Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Albufeira $41

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Algarve Coast & Chapel of Bones ( Private Van Tour ): $52
  • Safari Experience with Traditional Tapas: $76
  • 3 Hour Cruise Experience from Vilamoura: $33
  • 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
  • Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
  • Albufeira 1.5-Hour Off-road Quad Tour: $44
  • Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $49
  • Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $35
  • Albufeira 3.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $65
  • Albufeira 6-Hour Off-Road Quad Tour: $202
  • Albufeira Algarve 4Hours Benagil Tasting Experience: $96
  • Albufeira Beach BBQ with Caves and Coastline Cruise : $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Albufeira $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
  • Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $58
  • Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
  • Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
  • Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
  • Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
  • Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
  • From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
  • Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $107


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Albufeira Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Albufeira?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Albufeira, 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 Petersburg or Albufeira?

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 Petersburg or Albufeira in the Summer?

Both Albufeira and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is cooler than Albufeira in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Albufeira. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Albufeira in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Albufeira. Furthermore, many travelers come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Albufeira. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Albufeira averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Albufeira. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Albufeira in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Albufeira. Additionally, many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Albufeira. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Albufeira in the Spring?

Both Albufeira and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Albufeira in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Albufeira and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Albufeira
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)