Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Alesund?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Alesund? 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 Alesund?
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.
Alesund
Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Alesund $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $99. 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 Alesund in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Alesund $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Alesund $106
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Alesund
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Alesund? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Alesund $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:
- Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $36
- Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36
- Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
- Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $185
- Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
- Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Alesund?
Prices for flights to both Alesund 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint Petersburg $18Alesund $30
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Alesund $16
Tours and Activities in Alesund
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:
- Ålesund Round Trip – A Great Kayak Adventure: $186
- Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
- Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
- 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
- 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
- Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
- City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
- E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140
- Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
- Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $163
- Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
- Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Alesund $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Alesund, we can see that Alesund 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Alesund Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Alesund?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Alesund, 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 Alesund?
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 Alesund in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Alesund. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.
In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Alesund 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Alesund in the Autumn?
Both Alesund and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Saint Petersburg is much colder than Alesund in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Alesund. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Alesund 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Alesund in the Winter?
Both Alesund and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Alesund can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Alesund averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Alesund 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Alesund in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Alesund. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Alesund can be very cold during spring. Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Alesund. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Alesund. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Alesund 5°C (40°F)
Typical Weather for Alesund and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Alesund | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
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.