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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Honolulu?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Honolulu? 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 Honolulu?

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.

Honolulu

Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $284. 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 Honolulu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $37
    Honolulu $183
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $74
    Honolulu $366
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Honolulu

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Honolulu? 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 Honolulu


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: Honolulu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.42
    Honolulu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35
  • Airport Shuttle for Two
    $30
  • Hilton Parking
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu

Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 【ARRIVAL】Honolulu Airport -Private Transfer to Waikiki: $70
  • VIP Transfer: Ko Olina to Honolulu Airport or Vice Versa: $199
  • VIP Transfer Between Waikiki & Honolulu Airport, /vice versa: $136
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Honolulu HTL-APT (HNL): $81
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $39
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Oahu Hotels or Cruise Terminal to Honolulu Airport: $20
  • Shared Departure Transfer from Waikiki Hotels to Honolulu Airport: $18
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $20
  • Private Transfers between HNL Airport and Honolulu City: $56
  • Private Transfer: Honolulu Airport HNL to Honolulu in Sedan Car: $108
  • Private Transfer: Honolulu Airport HNL to Honolulu in Luxury SUV: $137
  • Private Transfer from Honolulu Airport HNL to Waikiki by SUV: $148

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Honolulu?

Prices for flights to both Honolulu 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 $19
    Honolulu $53
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.69

Typical Food Prices in Honolulu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:


  • Dinner for Two
    $73
  • Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream
    $5.55
  • Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)
    $53
  • Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)
    $34
  • Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)
    $7.50
  • Hot Dog with the Fixins'
    $8.30
  • Sushi Dinner for Two
    $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hawaii Food Tour - Off The Beaten Path : $150
  • Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour from Honolulu: $239
  • Brewery and Local Food Tour: $480

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Honolulu $40

Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu

For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Parking for Hike
    $5.00
  • Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two
    $12
  • 2 hr Dinner Cruise
    $85
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $36

Tours and Activities in Honolulu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.

  • Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour: $80
  • 1 Hour Private Luxury Classic Car Sightseeing City Tour Honolulu: $138
  • 3 Hour Sightseeing *SPECIALTY Tour: $149
  • 3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada: $65
  • 3 Hour Waikiki Waterslide and Ocean Playground Cruise: $113
  • 3-Hour Adventure in Waikiki Water Park Adventure: $127
  • 3-Hour Honolulu Bottom Fishing Adventure: $99,999
  • 5 Hour Half Day Island Jeep Tour: $190
  • 5 Hour Small Group Tour in Pearl Harbor and Honolulu: $145
  • 5-Star Oahu Sightseeing with local food & shrimp plate included: $120
  • 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour: $230
  • 6 Hour Romantic Hawaii Jeep Tour: $276

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.86
    Honolulu $6.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:

  • Shaxi Dive Bar Tour: $37


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Honolulu is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu 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 Honolulu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Honolulu?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Honolulu, 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 Honolulu?

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 Honolulu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Honolulu. Also, most visitors come to Honolulu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Honolulu 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Honolulu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Honolulu. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Honolulu 80°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Honolulu in the Winter?

Both Honolulu and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Honolulu 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Honolulu in the Spring?

Both Honolulu and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Honolulu. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Honolulu 76°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Honolulu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 74°F (24°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 76°F (24°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 78°F (25°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 81°F (27°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 80°F (26°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)