A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Chattanooga for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Petersburg than Chattanooga. Saint Petersburg is bigger than Chattanooga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums, food, resorts, and beaches, while Chattanooga is more popular for its hiking. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.


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

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Saint Petersburg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint Petersburg and Chattanooga.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Chattanooga both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. 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.

Chattanooga offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.


Is Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Saint Petersburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors to Chattanooga can move around easily with public transportation. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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


Is Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Chattanooga

Chattanooga is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Chattanooga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Chattanooga. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Petersburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Chattanooga 2-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy city of Chattanooga. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.


Five days in Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

The underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Chattanooga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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, Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga is $182. 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 Chattanooga in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga? 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 Chattanooga


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 and Chattanooga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Chattanooga $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

Prices for flights to both Chattanooga 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
    Chattanooga $59
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.

  • MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour: $65
  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Chattanooga $52

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
  • ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
  • Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
  • Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
  • Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
  • Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44
  • City Trolley Tour with Coker Museum visit: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Chattanooga $24


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Chattanooga. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Saint Petersburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Chattanooga. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Chattanooga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)