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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Austin?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Austin? 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 Austin?

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.

Austin

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.

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


Which place is cheaper, Austin 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 Austin is $142. 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 Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $37
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $74
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Austin? 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 Austin


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: Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.42
    Austin $47
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin 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
    Austin $35
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $108
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Austin $28

Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Austin Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
  • Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $90
  • Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
  • Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
  • Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $232
  • Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $455
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours with Rooster: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.86
    Austin $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Austin?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Austin, 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 Austin?

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 Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Austin. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Austin. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Austin. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Austin. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Austin. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Austin. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin 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 Austin this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Austin during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Austin. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)