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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Cardiff?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff?

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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.

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


Which place is cheaper, Cardiff 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 Cardiff is $194. 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 Cardiff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Cardiff $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Cardiff $232
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Cardiff

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff


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: Cardiff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Cardiff $26
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 Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Cardiff?

Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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
    Cardiff $55
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
    Cardiff $31

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
  • Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
  • Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
  • Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $187
  • Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $37
  • Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Cardiff $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Cardiff?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Cardiff. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Cardiff. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Cardiff. Additionally, many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Cardiff
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)