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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Bangkok?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bangkok? 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 Bangkok?

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.

Bangkok

Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Bangkok or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $76. 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 Bangkok in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Bangkok $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Bangkok $82
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Bangkok

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Bangkok? 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 Bangkok


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: Bangkok Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Bangkok $5.77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.18
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.36
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.87
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.71
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.82
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.45
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.36
  • Trains to airport
    $4.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Hua Hin APT-HTL (BKK): $71
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok HTL- APT(BKK): $14
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Pattaya APT-HTL (DMK): $67
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hua Hin APT-HTL (DMK): $71
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Bangkok APT-HTL (DMK): $24
  • Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to HuaHin: $74
  • Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Bangkok city: $27
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Rayong: $114
  • Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Aranyaprathet: $153
  • Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to khao Yai National Park: $74
  • Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Huahin: $74
  • Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok City: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Bangkok?

Prices for flights to both Bangkok 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 $18
    Bangkok $18
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

Typical Food Prices in Bangkok

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:


  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)
    $25
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $5.46
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.23
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.82
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Pad Thai
    $1.91
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Lunch for 2
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

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

  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $16
  • White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
  • Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
  • Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
  • Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
  • Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
  • Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
  • Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27
  • Nopparat Thai Dinner with Classical Dance: $28
  • Bangkok Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruised Tour On Chao Phraya: $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Bangkok $16

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok

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


  • Movie Ticket
    $4.36
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $9.55
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.36
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Club Cover Charge
    $10
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $65
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.09
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $2.73
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $11

Tours and Activities in Bangkok

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

  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
  • Bangkok 5 Hour Cultural & Temples Tour Private: $82
  • Bangkok Hindu Landmark City, Grand Palace & Temples Tours with Lunch: $286
  • Bangkok Sea Life + Madame Tussauds Entrance Tickets : $46
  • Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $146
  • Sunset Sail, Glittering Temspls at Afternoon Ayutthaya Tours : $60
  • Tuk-Tuk Tour Bangkok By Night With Chinatown Street: $64
  • 'Sunset Cruise' Canal Boat Tour - Fully guided 3hrs: $75
  • 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $114
  • 2 Hours Bangkok Canal Tour By Longtail Boat : $59
  • 2-Day River Kwai Experience from Bangkok: $226
  • 2-Day River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Tour from Bangkok: $201

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Bangkok $5.97

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.09

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22
  • 6-Hour Pub Crawl in Bangkok: $25


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Bangkok?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Bangkok, 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 Bangkok?

Saint Petersburg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bangkok in the Summer?

Both Bangkok and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Bangkok. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 176 hours of full sun.

Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in July than Bangkok. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Bangkok 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bangkok in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Bangkok. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Bangkok in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Bangkok fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Bangkok during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Bangkok 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bangkok in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Bangkok. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Bangkok. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Bangkok averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Bangkok. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 276 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in January than Bangkok. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Bangkok 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bangkok in the Spring?

Both Bangkok and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 31°C (87°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Bangkok during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Bangkok 31°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Bangkok and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Bangkok
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 31°C (87°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 29°C (84°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 344 mm (13.5 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 242 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)