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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta? 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 Atlanta?

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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Atlanta or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Atlanta is $173. 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 Atlanta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $37
    Atlanta $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $74
    Atlanta $180
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Atlanta

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Atlanta? 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 Atlanta


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: Atlanta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.42
    Atlanta $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:


  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta

Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from Atlanta Downtown to Atlanta Airport: $67
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Executive Private Minivan from-to Airport-Atlanta Downtown: $133
  • Private Transfer: H. J. Airport ATL to Atlanta in Business Car: $119
  • Private Transfer from Atlanta (ATL) Airport to Atlanta City: $94
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Atlanta Airport (ATL): $80
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL):Transfer to Atlanta: $280
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $194
  • Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
  • Hartsfield Jackson Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $66
  • Hartsfield Jackson Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury SUV: $133
  • Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL by Luxury SUV: $127

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

Prices for flights to both Atlanta 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 $19
    Atlanta $43
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.69

Typical Food Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    $15
  • Lunch
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta

For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 2 Hour Guided Wood Fired Pizza Class in Atlanta: $55
  • City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $70
  • Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: $70
  • Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
  • Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Atlanta $56

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.

  • 2-Hour Food, History and Street Art Tour of Ponce City Market: $95
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Historic Atlanta: $69
  • 2.5hr Guided Segway Tour of Midtown Atlanta: $69
  • 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour : $99
  • 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comics Inspired Film Location Tour: $175
  • 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car or MiniBus: $36
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta: $36
  • African American Atlanta Culture Tour by Private Car Service : $90
  • African-American Heritage&Civil Rights Atlanta Half-Day Tour: $660
  • Atlanta 5 Hour City Tour by Air-Conditioned Bus: $70
  • Atlanta Beltline Cocktails and Bites Experience: $129
  • Atlanta Electric Car City Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.86
    Atlanta $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:

  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
  • ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
  • Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
  • North Georgia Mountains Two Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $137
  • Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159
  • North Georgia Mountains Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $165
  • North Georgia Mountains Private Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $180


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Atlanta?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlanta. 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?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Atlanta. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atlanta in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Atlanta averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlanta during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Atlanta 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Atlanta. Additionally, most visitors come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 70 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 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Atlanta 66°F (19°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta in the Winter?

Both Atlanta and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Atlanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Atlanta 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Atlanta in the Spring?

Both Atlanta and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Atlanta averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Atlanta 65°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Atlanta
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 45°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 49°F (9°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 57°F (14°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 76°F (25°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 66°F (19°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 57°F (14°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 48°F (9°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)