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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Faro?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Faro? 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 Faro?

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.

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Faro is $143. 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 Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Faro $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Faro $160
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Faro? 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 Faro


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: Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Faro $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36
  • Transfers taxi tours golf wedding: $55
  • Transfers airport Faro X Albufeira: $91
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Muthu Club Praia da Oura: $71
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Hotel Paraiso Albufeira: $70
  • Transfers Algarve: Airport Faro - Albufeira, 4 or 8 PAX: $61
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Ponta Grande Resort: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel Vila Recife: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel São Rafael Atlântico: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $30
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Algoz: $50
  • Transfer from Faro Airport to Balaia Plaza Hotel: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro 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
    Faro $39
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Faro $10

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Faro $3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Faro?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Faro, 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 Faro?

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 Faro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Faro. Also, many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Faro. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Faro during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Faro. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Faro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Faro. Also, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Faro. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Faro 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Faro in the Winter?

Both Faro and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Faro during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Faro. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Faro in the Spring?

Both Faro and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Faro. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Faro. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Faro. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Faro 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Faro and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)