A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Houston for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Houston?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Saint Petersburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its food, resorts, and beaches. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Houston?

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Houston.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Houston can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is very good for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Houston Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Houston Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Houston?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Houston both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Saint Petersburg or Houston Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Houston.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Houston is a very kid-friendly coastal city. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Saint Petersburg or Houston Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Saint Petersburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Houston is a good coastal city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Saint Petersburg or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Is Saint Petersburg or Houston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg and Houston both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Saint Petersburg or Houston a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg and Houston are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Houston. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Houston. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint Petersburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Houston. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Petersburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Houston if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Petersburg.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Houston?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Houston?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Petersburg has to offer.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Houston?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Houston is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Saint Petersburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Houston. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Houston. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Houston. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Houston and Saint Petersburg