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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Galway?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Galway? 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 Galway?

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.

Galway

Galway is Ireland's fifth largest city with a population of over 70,000. Located in the province of Connacht, it is typically the first stop for travelers headed into western Ireland. It serves as a gateway for this scenic part of the country, but it truly is a destination in and of itself. The city is pleasantly quaint, and is crisscrossed by lovely pedestrian only streets that are lined with shopping and restaurants. There are also countless museums and galleries to explore. Churches and cathedrals dot the town and are fun to drop by if you're fascinated with architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Galway 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 Galway 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Petersburg and Galway in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Galway $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Galway $150
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Galway

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Galway? 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 Galway


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: Galway Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Galway $35
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 Galway

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:

  • Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $257
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $668
  • Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $294
  • Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $294
  • Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $90
  • Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $90
  • Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $749
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $668
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $561

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Galway?

Prices for flights to both Galway 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
    Galway $35
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

Typical Food Prices in Galway

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


  • Fish & Chips Dinner
    $8.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway

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

  • Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour: $93
  • Galway Food Tour: $107
  • Galway Food Tours: $109
  • Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $136
  • Farm to Table Experience and Irish Cooking Class in Galway: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Galway $13

Tours and Activities in Galway

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

  • Abalone farm tour and tasting with coastal seaweed walk. Guided. 2 hours: $82
  • 3 Hours Guided Irish Whiskey Tour and Tasting in Galway City: $180
  • Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.: $119
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin: $136
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway: $163
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway: $82
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks: $60
  • Boat cruise with local skipper on Galway Bay. Galway city. 1 hour: $36
  • Burren Botany Experience: $16
  • Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day: $134
  • City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • City of the Tribes Tour: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Galway $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Galway

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:

  • Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $355


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Galway?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Galway, 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 Galway?

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 Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Galway. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Galway. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Galway. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Galway 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Galway during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Galway. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Galway 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Galway in the Winter?

Both Galway and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Galway. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Galway 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Galway in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Galway. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Galway. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Galway during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Galway. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Galway 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Galway and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Galway
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)