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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Cleveland?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Saint Petersburg and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Cleveland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches, while Cleveland is known for its music. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Cleveland.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cleveland can be an interesting and educational experience. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.


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

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Saint Petersburg or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

The vibe at night is good in both Saint Petersburg and Cleveland.

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 Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Saint Petersburg or Cleveland Better for Music?

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

Cleveland is great for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Cleveland draws a good crowd. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

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.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in 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.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Cleveland?

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Cleveland both offer plenty of good 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.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.


Is Saint Petersburg or Cleveland Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Saint Petersburg or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

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

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

Saint Petersburg and Cleveland both offer decent 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 Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.


Is Saint Petersburg or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Cleveland

Saint Petersburg and Cleveland are decent when it comes to walkability.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Cleveland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Cleveland 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 Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find live music and shopping around the authentic destination of Cleveland. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the authentic city of Cleveland. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Cleveland?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Saint Petersburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cleveland is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Cleveland?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cleveland is a great place to explore. 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, Cleveland 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 Cleveland is $132. 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 Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Cleveland? 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 Cleveland


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 Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Cleveland $19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178
  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36
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

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

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


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

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

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Cleveland $40

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

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

  • CLE Mini Bus Group Tour: $55
  • Cleveland Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket: $77
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $469
  • Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples: $239
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $39
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Cleveland $45

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Cleveland, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Cleveland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cleveland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cleveland 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg than you might in Cleveland.

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 Cleveland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?

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 Cleveland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Cleveland. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cleveland this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Cleveland during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cleveland receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cleveland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Cleveland. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Cleveland in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cleveland can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Cleveland in the Spring?

Both Cleveland and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In Cleveland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Cleveland. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)