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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Levi?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Levi? 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 Levi?

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.

Levi

Levi is a micro city or resort town in the village if Sirkka in Finnish Lapland. In Levi, being impressed by the natural surroundings is inescapable: from river valleys and frozen lakes up to the fells with spectacular views over the Lappish landscape, Levi is all about northern nature at its best. During the winter months, from mid-November to mid-May, Levi is Finland's most popular ski resort with a total of 44 runs serviced by 28 lifts. Its Samiland Exhibition explores the culture of the indigenous Sami people through photos, objects and recreated buildings. Nearby is Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, with its Arctic fells and remains of the Linkupalo Volcano.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Helsinki.

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

When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Levi?

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 Levi in the Summer?

Both Levi and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Levi. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Levi fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Levi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Levi during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Levi receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Levi. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Levi receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Levi in the Autumn?

Both Levi and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit.

It's quite cold in Levi in the autumn. Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Levi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Levi fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Levi. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Levi receives 59 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Levi. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Levi receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Levi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Levi.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Levi. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Levi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Levi averages at about -15°C (5°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Levi during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Levi receives 11 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Levi. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Levi receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Levi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Levi.

Levi can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Levi. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Levi fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Levi. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Levi receives 196 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in April than Levi. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Levi receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Levi and Saint Petersburg