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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Lancaster?

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 Lancaster can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Saint Petersburg and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Lancaster?

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Petersburg than Lancaster. Saint Petersburg is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Petersburg is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Lancaster is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Lancaster.

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 Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Saint Petersburg or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Saint Petersburg or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Lancaster is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Lancaster?

Lancaster is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Lancaster Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Lancaster.

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.

Lancaster is a very kid-friendly coastal city. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Saint Petersburg or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Lancaster are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Saint Petersburg and Lancaster both offer respectable 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Saint Petersburg or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg and Lancaster are respectable 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.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Lancaster?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Lancaster. 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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and food around the traditional destination of Lancaster. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional town of Lancaster. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Lancaster?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Saint Petersburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lancaster 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 comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Lancaster, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Lancaster?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Lancaster during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lancaster in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Lancaster. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Lancaster. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lancaster can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Lancaster. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Saint Petersburg