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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Detroit?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg and Detroit: 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
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Detroit?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit than Saint Petersburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Detroit is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, and beaches. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.


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

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Saint Petersburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Saint Petersburg or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

Detroit 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 Detroit for the nightlife scene. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit Better for Music?

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

Detroit is terrific for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Detroit is known as a music capital around the world. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Detroit?

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

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

Detroit offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.


Is Saint Petersburg or Detroit Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Petersburg is very family-friendly. 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 Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Saint Petersburg or Detroit Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

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

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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

Saint Petersburg and Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.


Is Saint Petersburg or Detroit a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Detroit

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

Detroit is somewhat walkable. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Detroit?

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Detroit? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Detroit 1-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Detroit?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the hardworking destination of Detroit. 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 Detroit?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Petersburg has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the hardworking city of Detroit. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Detroit?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Detroit 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Detroit is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit 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 Detroit is $133. 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 Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Detroit? 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 Detroit


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 Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $191
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $144
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $144
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $101
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $95
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit 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
    Detroit $44
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

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

  • Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $19
  • Detroit Red Wings Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $61
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $12
  • Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $115
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket: $19
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $26
  • Motor City Ghosts Tour: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Detroit $20


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

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 Detroit Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Detroit during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Detroit. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Detroit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Detroit in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°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 Detroit. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Detroit. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Detroit in the Winter?

Both Detroit 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 Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Detroit can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Detroit. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Detroit, 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 Detroit. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Detroit. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)