Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Hamburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg?
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.
Hamburg
Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Hamburg $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is $125. 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 Hamburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Hamburg $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Hamburg $116
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Hamburg
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Hamburg? 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: Hamburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Hamburg $31
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 Hamburg
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:
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Short Distance Ubahn Ticket$1.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83
- Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $209
- Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $267
- Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $262
- Private transfer from Fuhlsbüttel Airport to Hamburg City Center: $114
- Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $271
- Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
- Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $234
- Private Transfer from Hamburg Hotels to Bremerhaven Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg City Hotels: $51
- Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
- Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Hamburg?
Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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 $18Hamburg $37
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 Hamburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:
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Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls$16
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Currywurst and Pommes Frites$5.36
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Donner Kebab and Coke$6.43
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Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer$16
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Donner Kebab Lunch$4.29
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Sandwich and Coffee Break$6.43
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Fish Sandwich from Fish Market$3.75
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Coffee and Donut$4.29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.
- St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
- Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
- Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
- St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
- Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
- Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Hamburg $42
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg
Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tower at St. Michael's Church$3.75
Tours and Activities in Hamburg
Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
- Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
- "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $69
- "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $181
- "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
- 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
- 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
- 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
- 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
- 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
- 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $75
- 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Hamburg $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:
- Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
- Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
- Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
- Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
- Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
- Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Hamburg, we can see that Hamburg 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 Hamburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hamburg 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 Hamburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Hamburg?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hamburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?
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 Hamburg in the Summer?
Both Hamburg and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Hamburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Hamburg averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hamburg. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Hamburg 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hamburg in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Hamburg. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Hamburg 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hamburg in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Hamburg. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hamburg can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Hamburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).
In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Hamburg. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Hamburg 0°C (33°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hamburg in the Spring?
Both Hamburg and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the natural beauty.
Saint Petersburg can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Hamburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Hamburg averages at about 8°C (46°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Hamburg 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Hamburg and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Hamburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 2°C (35°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.