Which place is cheaper, Como or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Como?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Como? 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 Como?
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.
Como
At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Como $229
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Como is $229. 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 Como in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Como $157
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Como $314
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Como
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Como? 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.
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: Como Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Como $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como
Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from Mandello del Lario or Abbadia Lariana: $76
- Private transfer from Lenno or Argegno or Ossuccio: $147
- Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $236
- Private Transfer from Lezzeno or Pognana Lario or Faggeto Lario: $169
- Private Transfer from Como to Milan hotels: $53
- Private Transfer From Lecco or Malgrate: $65
- Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $207
- Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $243
- From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $275
- From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $306
- From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $336
- From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $193
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Como?
Prices for flights to both Como 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint Petersburg $18Como $64
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como
For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $45
- Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling: $49
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $93
- Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $108
- Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $131
- Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $139
- Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $160
- Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $160
- Pizza Training Experience. Como Area: $163
- Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $163
- Private Market Tour & Lunch or Dinner with a Local: $171
- Como Food Tour: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Como -
Tours and Activities in Como
For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
- “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco: $131
- 1 Hour Boat Tour of Lake Como from Bellagio: $43
- 1 or 2 Hours Private Boat Tour on Lake villas and more: $374
- 1 or 2 hours Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with Prosecco: $374
- 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $179
- 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $182
- 2 hours Private Boat Tour Como Lake: $933
- 2 hours Private and Exclusive Clay sculpture Art experience : $294
- 2 hours Private boat tour on lake of Como: $909
- 2h Boat Tour with Classic Venetian Limousine in Menaggio: $734
- 3 Hour Private Kayaking Experience on Lake Como: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Como -
Sample the Local Flavors in Como
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:
- Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $60
- Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $70
- Lake Food and Wine tour in Colico: $114
- Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $135
- Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $185
- Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Como?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Como, 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 Como?
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 Como in the Summer?
Both Como and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Como. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Como 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Como in the Autumn?
Both Como and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Como. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.
Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Como. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Como 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Como in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Como. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Como can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Como. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Como 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Como in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Como. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.
The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Como. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Como 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Como and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Como | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.