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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Istanbul?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul?

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.

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Istanbul 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 Istanbul is $127. 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 Istanbul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Istanbul $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Istanbul $96
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul


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: Istanbul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.38
    Istanbul $56
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 Istanbul

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


  • Ferry
    $0.09
  • Local Bus
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • İstanbul: Morning Yacht Cruise W/ Asia Side Stop & Transfer: $51
  • İstanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht W/Transfer: $51
  • İstanbul: Afternoon Luxury Yacht Cruise with Transfer: $51
  • İstanbul airport private transfers: $45
  • İstanbul Vip Airport Transfer : $50
  • İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport Transfer (SAW) To Istanbul Hotel: $61
  • İstanbul New Airport Transfer : $88
  • İstanbul Airports Transfer Services: $47
  • İstanbul Airport Transfer : Your reliable & Stress-Free ride: $55
  • VIP Transfer from Hotel, Airbnb To Istanbul Airport: $60
  • VIP Transfer from Hotel to Airport in Istanbul: $28
  • VIP Daily Transfer from the Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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
    Istanbul $32
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.67

Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.06
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.27
  • Pastries
    $0.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Bosphorus Sunset Cruise & Dinner or Snack option: $14
  • Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $22
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $25
  • Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $26
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
  • İstanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Traditional Turkish Show: $30
  • Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Show and Private Table: $30
  • Turkish Meze Cooking for Beginners in Istanbul: $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Istanbul $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.62
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.62
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.31
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $0.94

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $166
  • Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
  • Bosphorus Morning or Sunset Guided Cruise Tour: $25
  • Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $44
  • Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $60
  • Istanbul City Tour Full Day (ASIA AND EUROPE) and Bosphorus Tour: $133
  • 1 Day Private Guided Highlights of Istanbul Tour: $165
  • 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour For Cruisers: $60
  • 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $75
  • 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
  • 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour : $220
  • 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $221

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.81
    Istanbul $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • #1 Rated Istanbul Party Pub Crawl w Party Bus/Sultanahmet&Taksim: $28
  • Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
  • Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $33
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
  • 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
  • Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
  • Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $857


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?

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 Istanbul in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Istanbul. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Istanbul in the Autumn?

Both Istanbul and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Istanbul in the Winter?

Both Istanbul and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Istanbul in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Istanbul. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Istanbul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)