A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas?

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 Las Vegas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a fun-filled, entertaining, and sexy entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Saint Petersburg and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Saint Petersburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Las Vegas is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg is known for its beaches. Las Vegas is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

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

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 Las Vegas can be an interesting and educational experience. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.


Is Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is terrific for theatre. However, Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Las Vegas is world-class. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

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

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Las Vegas has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is terrific for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas is a must-see party destination. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

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 Las Vegas Better for Music?

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is terrific for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is known as a music capital around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Las Vegas is a perfect choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Saint Petersburg is very popular for its beaches. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas?

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is terrific for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Las Vegas. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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 Las Vegas Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Saint Petersburg is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Las Vegas has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.


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

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Saint Petersburg and Las Vegas both offer decent 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Las Vegas is somewhat walkable. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas?

Both Saint Petersburg and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas than Saint Petersburg 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 Las Vegas.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas?

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.

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled 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.

People visit Las Vegas because there is so much to do. If you have a weekend, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the underrated 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.

Las Vegas is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices and Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Las Vegas $53

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • Los Angeles: Private Transfer to/from Las Vegas: $2,000
  • West Grand Canyon Helicopter Ticket with Transfer: $599
  • Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $269
  • Las Vegas Private Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $254
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer: To Las Vegas by Luxury Limo: $245
  • Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $242
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $232
  • Las Vegas Airport LAS Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $214
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $204
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $204
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $204
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $204

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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 $49
    Las Vegas $80
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

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

  • Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $39
  • Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
  • Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
  • Manila Walking Food Tour : $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
  • Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
  • Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
  • Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Las Vegas $78

Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

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


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

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

  • 7-Hours Tour of Manila: Eat, Walk & Explore: $64
  • All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $205
  • Food and Sightseeing Tour on the Las Vegas Strip: $124
  • Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
  • Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
  • 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $239
  • 1 Day Tour at Valley of Fire and Zion Park: $209
  • 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
  • 1-Day Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park Tour: $249
  • 1.5 Hr Las Vegas Strip Limo Tour with Champagne and Photos: $499
  • 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
  • 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Las Vegas $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
  • Las Vegas Yes, Queen Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl: $50
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
  • Red Velvet Burlesque Show in Las Vegas: $55
  • Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $56
  • Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Las Vegas, 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.