A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Cape Cod for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a relaxing, laid-back, and wealthy beach destination. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Saint Petersburg and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Cape Cod, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Cape Cod is more popular for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

Saint Petersburg is great for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Petersburg. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

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

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 Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Saint Petersburg and Cape Cod.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Cod makes a nice vacation spot. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.


Is Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its beaches.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is very good for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cape Cod. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Cape Cod is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

Both Saint Petersburg and Cape Cod are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

Saint Petersburg and Cape Cod both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.


Is Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

Both Saint Petersburg and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Cape Cod. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Cape Cod 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 Saint Petersburg.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.


Five days in Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod is $183. 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 Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod? 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 Cape Cod


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Cape Cod $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $60
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Cape Cod $27

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

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

  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Cape Cod $19


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Cape Cod, 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 Cape Cod Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Cape Cod during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Cape Cod. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Cape Cod. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cape Cod in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cape Cod in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Cape Cod. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Cape Cod. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)