Which place is cheaper, Glasgow or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Glasgow?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Glasgow? 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 Glasgow?
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.
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Glasgow $180
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Glasgow is $180. 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 Glasgow in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Glasgow $92
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Glasgow $184
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Glasgow
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Glasgow? 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: Glasgow Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Glasgow $34
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 Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Glasgow to Glasgow International Airport (GLA): $68
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow : $82
- Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
- Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $12
- Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $55
- Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
- Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
- Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
- Glasgow to Aberdeen Int Airport (ABZ)-Departure Private Transfer: $120
- Glasgow hotels to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108
- Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Glasgow?
Prices for flights to both Glasgow 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 daySaint Petersburg $18Glasgow $56
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 Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
-
Dessert at Farmer's Market$2.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Glasgow $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)$15
-
Two Bike Rental$42
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
- 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
- 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
- Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
- City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
- Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
- Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
- From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
- From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Glasgow $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
-
Bottle of Wine$15
-
Ciders at Kilted Skirlie$4.36
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Glasgow?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?
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 Glasgow in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Glasgow. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Glasgow 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Glasgow in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Glasgow. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Glasgow. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Glasgow. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Glasgow 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Glasgow in the Winter?
Both Glasgow and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Glasgow during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Glasgow 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Glasgow in the Spring?
Both Glasgow and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.
The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).
In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Glasgow. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Glasgow 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Glasgow and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Glasgow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.