Which place is cheaper, Houston or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Houston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Houston? 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 Houston?
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.
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $64Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $37Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $74Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Houston? 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: Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.42Houston $72
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$1.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $544
- William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
- RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
- Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
- Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $19Houston $35
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$4.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Houston $14
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
- 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $370
- Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.86Houston $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
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. Since Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Houston 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 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?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Houston. 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?
Both Houston and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Petersburg is much colder than Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Houston in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Houston. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Houston. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Houston in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Houston. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Houston in the Spring?
Both Houston and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Houston. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
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.