Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Bergen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bergen? 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 Bergen?
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.
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Bergen $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $108. 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 Bergen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Bergen $67
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Bergen $134
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Bergen
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Bergen? 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.
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: Bergen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Bergen $9.65
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 Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Solstrand Hotel transfer: $285
- TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Panorama Hotel & Resort transfer: $285
- TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $139
- TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $191
- TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $177
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $141
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $171
- Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $49
- Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $49
- Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $94
- Private Transfer From Bergen Airport to City Centre: $94
- Private Transfer - Bergen Hotels & Cruise Ports - Bergen Airport: $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Bergen?
Prices for flights to both Bergen 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 daySaint Petersburg $18Bergen $31
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 Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $181
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Bergen $16
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Bergen: $54
- 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $148
- Authentic Private Walking Tour of Bergen: $96
- Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Bergen City 90-minute Private Tour by Electric Car: $84
- Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $205
- Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams - All year: $55
- Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $84
- Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
- Bergen Guided Tour by Minibus (with Photo stops) & Bryggen Walk: $65
- Bergen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
- Bergen Private Walking Tour: $293
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Bergen $6.87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Bergen?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Bergen, 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 Bergen?
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 Bergen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Bergen. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.
In the summer, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Bergen 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bergen in the Autumn?
Both Bergen and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Bergen 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bergen in the Winter?
Both Bergen and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Bergen 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bergen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Bergen. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.
Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).
Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Bergen 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Bergen and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Bergen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.