Which place is cheaper, Bern or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Bern?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bern? 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 Bern?
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.
Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Bern $249
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Bern is $249. 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 Bern in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Bern $161
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Bern $322
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Bern
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Bern? 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: Bern Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Bern $33
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:
- Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300
- Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
- Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
- Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
- Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Bern?
Prices for flights to both Bern 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 $18Bern $60
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.
- Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
- Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Bern $34
Tours and Activities in Bern
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:
- 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $627
- Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $592
- Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $80
- Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
- Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
- Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $161
- Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
- Bern Old City Walking Tour: $459
- Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $534
- Bern Private Walking Tour: $334
- Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Bern $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Bern, we can see that Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Bern?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Bern, 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 Bern?
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 Bern in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Bern. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year.
In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bern. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Bern. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Bern 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bern in the Autumn?
Both Bern and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Saint Petersburg is much colder than Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Bern during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Bern. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Bern 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bern in the Winter?
Both Bern and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bern can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Bern. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Bern. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Bern 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bern in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Bern. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months.
Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Bern. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Bern. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Bern 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Bern and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Bern | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 55 mm (2.2 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.