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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cinque Terre? 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 Cinque Terre?

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.

Cinque Terre

Located on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terra consists of five seaside villages exuding a charm that dates back to medieval times. Fishing boats bob in the harbors, bringing fresh seafood to the tables of the region, while age old vineyards make for fragrant signature wines. Cinque Terre is considered to be a National Park, with its five villages earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their beauty and timelessness.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre is $149. 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 Cinque Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Cinque Terre $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Cinque Terre $154
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Cinque Terre

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Cinque Terre? 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 Cinque Terre


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: Cinque Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Cinque Terre $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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cinque Terre

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


  • Ferry Day Pass
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cinque Terre

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

  • Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to La Spezia by car or van: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Cinque Terre?

Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre 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
    Cinque Terre $44
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 Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Whole Pizza
    $10
  • Panini
    $4.02
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $56
  • Fresh Focaccia
    $2.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre

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

  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore: $195
  • Cinque Terre Food Tour (half day): $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Cinque Terre $14

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Double Kayak Rental (One Hour)
    $11
  • Bagni Eden Beach Club Umbrella
    $17
  • Cinque Terre Card (One Day)
    $5.36
  • Cinque Terre Card (Three Days)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Swim Stop: $163
  • 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia: $104
  • 3-Hour Private Boat Tour of the Cinque Terre: $251
  • Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour: $109
  • Cinque Terre Kayak Adventure from Riomaggiore: $98
  • Cinque Terre Lunch boat tour: $218
  • Cinque Terre Morning Tour: $131
  • Cinque Terre Night Tour: $191
  • Cinque Terre Paddleboarding cruise at sunrise or sunset: $218
  • Cinque Terre Pesto experience in Riomaggiore: $49
  • Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour: $218
  • Cinque Terre Private half day tour with Official Tour Guide: $269

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Cinque Terre $7.19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Cinque Terre:


  • Glass of Local Wine
    $3.11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cinque Terre

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

  • BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Tour with Wine Tasting & Pesto Class: $60
  • Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the somelier: $74
  • Eco Hiking and Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre : $97
  • Cinque Terre Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings: $169


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Cinque Terre?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 2570 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Cinque Terre 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Cinque Terre. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Cinque Terre 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Cinque Terre 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Cinque Terre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)