A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Petersburg vs. Edinburgh for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Edinburgh?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh?

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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.

Which city is cheaper, Edinburgh or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $62, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $140. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Petersburg and Edinburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $35
    Edinburgh $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $70
    Edinburgh $148
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Edinburgh

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh


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 Edinburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.14
    Edinburgh $16
Typical Local Transportation prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Petersburg

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

  • St. Petersburg to St.Petersburg Pulkovo Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED) to hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • St Petersburg Transfer from city hotels or Cruise port to Pulkovo Airport (LED): $68
  • St Petersburg Departure Private Transfers from St Petersburg City to Airport LED: $84
  • St Petersburg Airport Transfers : St Petersburg to Airport LED in Luxury Van: $89
  • St Petersburg Airport Transfers : St Petersburg to Airport LED in Luxury Car: $103
  • St Petersburg Airport Transfers : St Petersburg to Airport LED by Business Car: $63
  • Private Transfer from St. Petersburg City Center to Peterhof Palace: $37
  • Private Transfer from Peterhof Palace to St. Petersburg City Center: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer: from St Petersburg to Pulkovo Airport (LED): $28
  • Departure Private Transfer St. Petersburg to Pulkovo Airport LED by Business Car: $61
  • Departure Private Transfer St Petersburg City to Pulkovo Airport LED - LuxuryVan: $39

Typical Local Transportation prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:


  • Local Bus
    $4.33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh

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

  • VIP Airport Transfer: $103
  • Round Trip Edinburgh Airport (EDI) Transfer to Edinburgh City Center: $58
  • Private luxury transfer from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport: $28
  • Private luxury transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh: $28
  • Private Transfer: Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport (EDI): $75
  • Private Transfer: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh: $75
  • Private One-Way Transfer From Edinburgh Airport to City Center: $116
  • Private Minibus Transfer - Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City: $241
  • Private Edinburgh city to Edinburgh Airport transfer - Or airport to city: $45
  • Private Edinburgh Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $29
  • Private Edinburgh Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $47
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Edinburgh Airport to City Hotel: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Edinburgh?

Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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 $18
    Edinburgh $38
Typical Food prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Petersburg

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

  • Enjoy Russian Delicacies in St Petersburg: Cooking Demo and Meal with a Local: $80
  • Private Dining: Russian dinner in a traditional St. Petersburg apartment: $91
  • Cooking Class and a Dinner with a Local Family (8 people max): $92
  • Off-the-tourist Path Food Tour: $103
  • Local Market Tour and Cooking Demo with a Homemade Russian Meal in St Petersburg: $107
  • Borscht and cabbage pie cooking class and dinner for small private groups: $109
  • FOOD TOUR. St.Petersburg: $150
  • Private Cooking Class: Learn the secrets of Borsch and Beef Stroganoff: $166
  • Private Cooking Class: Russian Blini with Red Caviar and Shchi soup: $179
  • Private Cooking Class: Russian Shchi soup and Blini with Red Caviar: $187
  • Private Cooking Class: Hands-on Siberian Pelmeni Making Workshop: $188
  • Private Cooking Class: Siberian Pelmeni, Stolichny salad and Borsch: $212

Typical Food prices in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $10
  • Dinner at Filling Station
    $12
  • Lunch for Two
    $18
  • Sandwich
    $2.23
  • Cheese & bread
    $8.70
  • Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $30
  • 2 Coffees and Scones
    $6.98
  • Turkish Delight
    $1.68
  • Soup at the Pub
    $7.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh

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

  • Scottish Classic Desserts private cooking class with professional chef: $66
  • Discover Royal Mile-Old Town & ENJOY Indian Dinner ~ Walking Tour!: $79
  • 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $94
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Curry Cooking Class – pure comfort food for the soul!: $97
  • Curry Around The World Cooking Class: $97
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Edinburgh: $106
  • Relaxing Handmade Pasta with meal and wine - Safe Cooking Class: $110
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Curry Private Cooking Class with professional chef: $116
  • "Curry Around The World" Private Cooking Class with professional chef: $116
  • Private Food Tour with a Local Expert including 10 Tastings in Edinburgh: $136
  • Handmade Pasta Cooking Class & Dinner with professional chef for private groups: $137
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh w/ Private Tour Option: $228

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Edinburgh $19

Tours and Activities in Saint Petersburg

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

  • 1-Day Visa-Free Tour in St Petersburg with Faberge Collection: $265
  • 1-day private Visa-Free tour in St Petersburg with Peterhof: $257
  • 1.5-Hours Saint Petersburg's Metro Tour Hidden Treasures: $25
  • 2-Day Small-Group Visa-Free Tour - Top Highlights of St Petersburg: $20
  • 3 Hour Photo Shoot Tours St. Petersburg, Russia: $564
  • Basic 2-day tour in St Petersburg for cruise passengers: $425
  • Catherine Palace and Park: Private tour to Tsarskoe Selo: $120
  • Classic 2 Day Tour of St Petersburg Russia.No hidden costs.9 years of experience: $349
  • Daily Canon Shot at Peter and Paul Fortress + Museum of Revolution Private Tour: $162
  • Essential 2-Day Visa-Free Tour for Cruise Ships in St Petersburg: $465
  • Evening River and Canal Cruise Visas Included: $86
  • Guided Tour Peter and Paul Fortress, Cathedral and Prison: $56

Typical Entertainment prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Show Tickets
    $39
  • Movie Tickets for Two
    $14
  • Donation for Storytellers
    $7.22

Tours and Activities in Edinburgh

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

  • 1 Day Malt Whisky, Craft Gin, & Craft Beer Tour: $116
  • 1 day Outlander tour: $723
  • 2 Day Loch Ness, Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct & St Andrews Tour: $123
  • 2 Days Private Custom Tour of Scotland from Edinburgh: $1,104
  • 2 Hours Ghost Tour - English Tour Guide: $18
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh: $228
  • 2-Day Inverness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh: $112
  • 2-Day Lake District Tour from Edinburgh: $344
  • 2-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh: $237
  • 2-Day Outlander Experience Small Group Tour from Edinburgh: $248
  • 2-hour Whisky Tasting Tour of Edinburgh: $54
  • 3 Day / 2 Night Scottish Highland Experience from Edinburgh: $446

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.49
    Edinburgh $15

Typical Alcohol prices in Edinburgh

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:


  • Beer & Wine
    $17
  • Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern
    $1.99
  • Pint of Beer
    $4.21

Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh

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

  • The Orange Pub Crawl - Edinburgh: $18
  • Edinburgh Brewery Tour: $22
  • Holyrood Distillery Gin and Whisky Guided Tour: $24
  • Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: $24
  • Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $34
  • Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour with Gin Tastings: $34
  • Loch Lomond, Stirling, and Glengoyne Distillery Tour from Edinburgh: $52
  • Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery from Edinburgh: $54
  • Loch Ness, Highlands and Whisky Distillery Day Tour from Edinburgh: $66
  • Bike, beers and brewery tour: $90
  • Edinburgh and Golf and Distillery Tour with Private Driver: $259
  • Whisky Distillery Tour from Edinburgh by Private Vehicle: $284

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Saint Petersburg.


When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Edinburgh?

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 Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The temperature in Saint Petersburg is usually 18°C (64°F) in July, and Edinburgh stays around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Edinburgh 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

Both Edinburgh and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October are around 6°C (42°F), and Edinburgh is about 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Edinburgh. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Edinburgh. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Edinburgh 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Edinburgh in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Edinburgh. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.

It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Edinburgh. Temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Edinburgh stays around 3°C (38°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Edinburgh 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Edinburgh in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Edinburgh. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Edinburgh in the spring. The temperature in Saint Petersburg is usually 4°C (40°F) in April, and Edinburgh stays around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Edinburgh. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Edinburgh 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Edinburgh
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (58°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)


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Saint Petersburg vs. Edinburgh Travel Comparison

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