Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Berlin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Berlin? 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 Berlin?
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.
Berlin
Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.
With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Berlin $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Berlin is $149. 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 Berlin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Berlin $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Berlin $138
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Berlin
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Berlin? 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: Berlin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Berlin $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:
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Short Trip Metro Ticket$1.52
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Bahn Ticket$3.25
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Short Taxi Ride$22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin
Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Welcome/Farewell SightseeingTaxi Tour +Transfer from/to the airport: $97
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin HTL-APT (SXF): $300
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
- Skip-the-line Charlottenburg Palace Private Tour & Transfers: $203
- Round Trip Private Transfer Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin by Business Car: $258
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with stops at Potsdam + Sanssouci Palace: $295
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $267
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Meissen Porcelain Manufactory stop: $261
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague: $703
- Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to airport of Berlin: $142
- Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Sedan Car: $103
- Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Berlin?
Prices for flights to both Berlin 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint Petersburg $18Berlin $56
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.61
Typical Food Prices in Berlin
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:
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Sandwich and Coffee To Go$5.42
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Turkish Sandwich$2.17
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Currywurst$2.17
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2 Pho Noodles$9.75
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Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)$65
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Mauer Park (2)$12
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Coffees at Impala$8.45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- English Stand-Up Comedy with Pizza and Shots: $19
- Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $28
- Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $34
- Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- Berlin Mitte kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- No Diet Club - Street Food Tour with many Tastings !: $59
- Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $63
- Sicilian Cooking Workshop with unlimited drinks: $69
- Evening Food Tour by Bike: $69
- Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $76
- Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Berlin $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Berlin Zoo (2)$21
Tours and Activities in Berlin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.
- East Berlin and the Berlin Wall 2-Hour Walking Tour : $22
- Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin.: $32
- (E) Bike Tour for Non bikers option Rickshaw or E-Scooter: $48
- 2 Hours Berlin City Guided Electric Trike Tour: $59
- 2 Hours E-Scooter Tour: $60
- 2-Hour Private Berlin Walking Tour, Berlin in the Third Reich and Cold War: $213
- 2-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $75
- 3 Hours Berlin City Guided Electric Trike Tour: $72
- 3-Hour Bike Tour of Tiergarten and Berlin's Hidden Places: $35
- 3-Hour Private Berlin Bike Tour: Vibes of Berlin: $184
- 3D Adventure black light mini golf (Berlin): $21
- 4 Hours 2 Person Highlights Berlin Rickshaw Tour with Guide : $207
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Berlin $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Show$15
Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin
Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original One80 Berlin Pub Crawl: $16
- VIP Pub Crawl with Drinks and Challenges: $16
- brewery tour with beer tasting: $19
- Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $23
- Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Club Entry: $24
- Berlin Pub Crawl and Nightlife Clubbing tour: $26
- The Showgirls of Burlesque: $46
- Showgirls of Burlesque Entry Ticket: $69
- Berlin:sunset boat trip with Argentine wine tasting and food: $213
- German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $249
- German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $255
- Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Berlin, we can see that Berlin 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin 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 Berlin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Berlin?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Berlin. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Berlin, 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 Berlin?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Berlin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Berlin. Furthermore, many visitors come to Berlin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Berlin. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Berlin 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Berlin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Berlin. Additionally, most visitors come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Berlin. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Berlin 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Berlin in the Winter?
Both Berlin and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Berlin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Berlin can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Berlin during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berlin. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Berlin -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Berlin in the Spring?
Both Berlin and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.
The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Berlin. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Berlin 9°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Berlin and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Berlin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 51 mm (2 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.