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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cannes? 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 Cannes?

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.

Cannes

While Cannes was once little more than a small fishing village, today it is a popular, glamorous seaside town frequented by celebrities. It's the place to see and be seen, particularly during the Cannes Film Festival in the month of May. During this time the city comes alive with celebrities from all over the world. While Cannes has its share of exclusive clubs, bars and restaurants, there are alternatives for budget travelers, so don't shy away. There's a beautiful area, Le Suquet, which is nice to visit with its cobblestone streets and stunning views. It's also fun to pass some time people watching by the marina. You never know who you'll spot. At night, the city comes to life with casinos and luxurious restaurants and clubs that give the area a vibe of exclusivity.

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


Which place is cheaper, Cannes 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 Cannes is $147. 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 Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Cannes $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Cannes $160
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Cannes? 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 Cannes


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: Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Cannes $17
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 Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Cannes: $399
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Port to Nice Cote Airport (NCE): $82
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $91
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $101
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes 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
    Cannes $49
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Cannes $32

Tours and Activities in Cannes

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

  • Watch the Fireworks from the boat. Unique experience: $1,593
  • Cannes 2 Hours : Privat City Tour in a French Vintage Bus: $315
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74
  • Cannes : Ferrari experience: $214
  • Cannes : Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Cannes E-Bike Guided Tour: $75
  • Cannes Experience private boat tour Islands French Riviera: $631
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Cannes Luxury Catamaran Half or Day Cruise with lunch option: $96
  • Cannes Royal Regatta Catamaran cruise: $107
  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Cannes $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

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

  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $130
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $139
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $759
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $1,273


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Cannes?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Cannes, 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Cannes. Additionally, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Cannes. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Cannes. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Cannes. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)