A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Berkeley for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Berkeley can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a quirky, progressive, and diverse city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Petersburg than Berkeley. Saint Petersburg is bigger than Berkeley, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Petersburg is better known for its resorts and beaches, while Berkeley is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Berkeley is well known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berkeley and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Berkeley.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Berkeley can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.


Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Berkeley.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Berkeley. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

Is Saint Petersburg or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Berkeley for the nightlife scene. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Saint Petersburg is renowned for the beach. However, Berkeley is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Saint Petersburg or Berkeley Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Saint Petersburg is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Berkeley is a family-friendly coastal city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Saint Petersburg or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Saint Petersburg is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

Is Saint Petersburg or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Berkeley Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Berkeley is very popular with students. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.


Is Saint Petersburg or Berkeley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Berkeley can take you anywhere. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Berkeley is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Berkeley. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Berkeley. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint Petersburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Berkeley. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Petersburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Saint Petersburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Berkeley.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

The coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Berkeley. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Petersburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quirky city of Berkeley. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Berkeley is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Berkeley is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $190. 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 Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Berkeley? 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 Berkeley


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $126
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Oakland hotel or address to Oakland Airport (OAK) - Departure Private Transfer: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley 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 $49
    Berkeley $36
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

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

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

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

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $26
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

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

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Berkeley, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Berkeley?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?

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 Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Berkeley. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Berkeley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Berkeley. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Berkeley averages at about 50°F (10°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)