Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Anchorage? 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 Anchorage?
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.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $64Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $37Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $74Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Anchorage? 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: Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.42Anchorage $27
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$1.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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 $19Anchorage $50
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$4.69
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Anchorage $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
- Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
- Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage Ice Fishing Adventure: $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.86Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Anchorage is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Anchorage?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?
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 Anchorage in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Anchorage. Additionally, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Anchorage in the Winter?
Both Anchorage and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).
In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Anchorage. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.