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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Dallas?

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 Dallas 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Dallas: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Dallas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas than Saint Petersburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dallas is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Dallas.

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 Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.


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

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Dallas.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Saint Petersburg or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

Dallas is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Dallas for the nightlife scene. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Dallas Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

Saint Petersburg is very good for its resorts. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

Saint Petersburg is renowned for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Dallas?

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

Dallas is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Dallas Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Dallas.

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.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.


Is Saint Petersburg or Dallas Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

Both Saint Petersburg and Dallas are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

Dallas is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Dallas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Dallas a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Dallas

Saint Petersburg and Dallas are reasonable 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.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.


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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Petersburg or Dallas. In our opinion, Dallas has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dallas than Saint Petersburg. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Dallas. 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 Dallas than Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dallas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dallas than Saint Petersburg 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 Dallas.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Dallas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Dallas 2-4

One day in Saint Petersburg or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the chic destination of Dallas. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Dallas?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and museums around the active city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dallas 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dallas 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, Dallas 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 Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Dallas $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $202
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Business Car: $100
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
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 Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $96
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

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

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2 Hour Festive Walk Tour in Dallas: $245
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Dallas Arts District Private Walking Tour featuring Museums: $135
  • Dallas Highlights Tour: $205
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


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

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 Dallas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

In Dallas, 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 Dallas. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Dallas. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas 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 Dallas during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Dallas. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Dallas. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°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 Dallas. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Dallas for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Dallas during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Dallas. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)