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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Belfast?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Belfast? 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 Belfast?

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.

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.

One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.

Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast 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 Belfast is $166. 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 Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Belfast $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Belfast $170
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Belfast? 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 Belfast


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: Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Belfast $18
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Sixmilecross : $193
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rathfriland : $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Poyntzpass: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portavogie: $96
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portadown: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownstewart: $172

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast 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
    Belfast $63
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

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

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Belfast $23

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    $9.97

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
  • Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Belfast $9.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Belfast?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Belfast, 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 Belfast?

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 Belfast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Belfast. Additionally, many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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 Belfast. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Belfast. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Belfast. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Belfast. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Belfast. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Belfast. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)