Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Heidelberg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg?
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.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Heidelberg $152
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is $152. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Heidelberg $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Heidelberg
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Heidelberg? 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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Heidelberg $18
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg
Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
- Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
- Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
- One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Heidelberg?
Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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 $18Heidelberg $40
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg
For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
- Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Heidelberg $12
Tours and Activities in Heidelberg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.
- 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
- Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
- Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
- Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
- Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
- Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
- E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
- Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
- Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
- Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
- Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
- Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Heidelberg $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:
- Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Heidelberg?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?
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 Heidelberg in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Heidelberg. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Heidelberg in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.
In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Heidelberg. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Heidelberg in the Winter?
Both Heidelberg and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Heidelberg in the Spring?
Both Heidelberg and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Heidelberg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.