Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Amsterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Amsterdam? 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 Amsterdam?
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.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Amsterdam $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $189. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Amsterdam $110
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Amsterdam $220
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Amsterdam? 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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Amsterdam $21
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram$3.47
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Renting a Bike$16
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One Hour Canal Cruise$11
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Single Day Transit Pass$2.82
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport$3.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $93
- Taxi minibus Transfer cruise port Amsterdam to Hotel in Amsterdam: $120
- Taxi minibus Transfer Amsterdam Hotel to cruise port Amsterdam: $120
- Taxi Transfer from hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port terminal in Amsterdam: $66
- Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $133
- Schiphol Airport Private Transfer to Antwerp: $242
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Amsterdam Airport (AMS) - Amsterdam City: $108
- Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $309
- Rotterdam Cruise private Transfers: Hotel to Ship & Return: $144
- Private transfer from Schiphol airport to The Hague: $102
- Private Utrecht Transfer from Amsterdam: $152
- Private Transfer: Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS): $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Amsterdam?
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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 $18Amsterdam $47
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
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea$6.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- 2 Hours Food Tour in Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.44
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.16
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
- Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise through Amsterdam: $31
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
- Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $42
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
- Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise With Pizza and Drinks: $43
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Amsterdam $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum$6.50
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House$18
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Amstagram Tour & Moco Experience: $53
- Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Cheese, Wine with Unlimited Drinks in Amsterdam Luxury Cruise: $54
- 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Audio Guide: $18
- 1 Hour Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: $21
- 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $14
- 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $163
- 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
- 19th Century Amsterdam Guided Private Bike Tour : $229
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $42
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
- 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $212
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Amsterdam $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $24
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $26
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $30
- Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
- Kings Night Ultimate Party Pub Crawl: $37
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
- Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48
- Red-Light District Pub Crawl and Booze Boat Tour: $52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Amsterdam?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?
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 Amsterdam in the Summer?
Both Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Amsterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Amsterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Amsterdam. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Amsterdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Amsterdam. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Amsterdam in the Spring?
Both Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Amsterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.