Which place is cheaper, Florence or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Florence?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Florence? 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 Florence?
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.
Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Florence $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Florence is $167. 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 Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Florence $94
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Florence $188
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Florence? 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: Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Florence $24
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City$8.67
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Taxi from Airport$27
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In City Parking (Full Day)$32
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Bus Pass (Full Day)$5.42
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Bus From Airport$5.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Florence to Arezzo with a stop at The Mall Outlet: $152
- Transfer Florence to Pisa: $207
- Transfer Florence - Siena with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
- Transfer Florence - Bologna with stop at the Barberino Outlet: $141
- Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,171
- Private transfer: $255
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence: $114
- Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $63
- Private Transfer from your Hotel in Florence to the Airport: $59
- Private Transfer from Ulignano to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $250
- Private Transfer from Scandicci to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $110
- Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $292
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence 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 $18Florence $39
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
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich$7.04
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $33
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $37
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $40
- Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $46
- Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
- Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Florence $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi$12
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi$4.33
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Firenze Card (for Two)$108
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)$22
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee$6.50
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee$7.58
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- Accademia Gallery Skip the line Tickets : $34
- Florence Duomo: VIP After-Hours Dome Tour with Terrace Access: $173
- Florence Gourmet FoodTour with Friendly Guide: $190
- Florence Walking FoodTour: $190
- From Sunset Panoramic e-Bike or Classic Bike tour : $38
- Highlights of Uffizi & Accademia Skip The Line Combo Guided Tour: $108
- Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $71
- SmallGroup Florence StreetFood WalkingTour: $190
- Tour Private of Florence in electric car : $41
- VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $75
- "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $196
- 1 Hour Accademia Guided Tour: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Florence $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti$4.55
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Bottle of Wine$8.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $22
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
- 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Italy Private Wine Tasting Experience : $33
- Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Florence?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Florence, 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 Florence?
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 Florence in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Florence. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Petersburg is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Florence. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Florence 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Florence in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Florence. Additionally, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Florence. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Florence 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Florence in the Winter?
Both Florence and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Florence. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Florence 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Florence in the Spring?
Both Florence and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.
The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Florence 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Florence and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Florence | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.