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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Columbia?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Saint Petersburg and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Columbia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Columbia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also well known for St. Pete Beach. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Saint Petersburg and Columbia.

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 Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbia Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is renowned for the beache. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Columbia?

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

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbia Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly coastal city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbia Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg and Columbia both offer reasonable 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbia a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg is a moderate coastal city for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Columbia is not a very walkable coastal city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Petersburg or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Petersburg than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Columbia?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the suburban city of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

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.

Columbia 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 Columbia?

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.

Columbia 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Columbia, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Columbia?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Columbia because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Columbia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbia averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun.

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Columbia. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Columbia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Columbia. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Columbia. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Saint Petersburg