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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Columbus?

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 Columbus 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Columbus

Columbus is a down-to-earth, authentic, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Saint Petersburg and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Columbus?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus 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 Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbus Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Columbus?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Columbus 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.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbus Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Columbus.

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.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbus Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus 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 Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Saint Petersburg and Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Saint Petersburg or Columbus a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Petersburg or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Petersburg than Columbus 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 Columbus.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus?

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 welcoming destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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 welcoming city of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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.

Columbus 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 Columbus?

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.

Columbus 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 Columbus, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.

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 Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Columbus. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbus 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 Columbus during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbus 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 Columbus. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Columbus. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°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 Columbus. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Columbus. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Saint Petersburg