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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Birmingham?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Birmingham? 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 Birmingham?

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.

Birmingham

Birmingham, England, is often known as Britain's second-largest city. It is located in the western Midlands of England. Birmingham is nearly in the center of England, so almost all rail and motorways cross here. The city gained popularity and status during the industrial revolution and is still one of the main cities for industrial production and power, ranging from electricity to metal. Because of its importance as an industrial hub, it is one of the most populated cities in England. In more recent years, Birmingham has done a lot to add to the overall cultural scene of the city with the addition of museums and art.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Birmingham 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 Birmingham is $165. 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 Birmingham in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Birmingham $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Birmingham $164
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Birmingham

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Birmingham? 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 Birmingham


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: Birmingham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Birmingham $32
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 Birmingham

Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Birmingham?

Prices for flights to both Birmingham 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
    Birmingham $48
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

Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

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


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    $6.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Birmingham $60

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.

  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
  • Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
  • Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
  • Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
  • Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
  • Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Birmingham $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Birmingham, we can see that Birmingham 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 Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham 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 Birmingham Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Birmingham?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Birmingham. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?

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 Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Birmingham. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Birmingham. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Birmingham. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Birmingham. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Birmingham
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 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) 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)