A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Atlanta for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Atlanta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

You'll generally find more things to do in Atlanta than Saint Petersburg. Atlanta is bigger than Saint Petersburg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Atlanta is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Petersburg or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Atlanta.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Petersburg. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Saint Petersburg or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Atlanta for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Atlanta Better for Resorts?

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

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Atlanta is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Atlanta Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is terrific for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

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.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Atlanta. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Petersburg or Atlanta Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Atlanta.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Atlanta is a very kid-friendly coastal city. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Saint Petersburg or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Saint Petersburg or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Atlanta is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Atlanta Better for Students?

Atlanta is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Atlanta is very popular with students. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Is Saint Petersburg or Atlanta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg and Atlanta both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Atlanta a more walkable city?

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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 Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Atlanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Petersburg or Atlanta. In our opinion, Atlanta has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Atlanta than Saint Petersburg. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Petersburg has to offer.

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Atlanta is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Atlanta is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Atlanta, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

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 Atlanta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Atlanta, 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 Atlanta?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Atlanta. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Atlanta. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Saint Petersburg