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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ljubljana? 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 Ljubljana?

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.

Ljubljana

Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana is $94. 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 Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Ljubljana $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Ljubljana $118
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Ljubljana? 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 Ljubljana


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: Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.38
    Ljubljana $23
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Ljubljana City to Lake Bled: $127
  • Slovenian Coast E-Bike Tour with Transfer from Ljubljana: $149
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Slovenj Gradec: $214
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Lipica: $219
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kranj: $89
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Krško: $259
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kostanjevica na Krki: $263
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kamnik : $75
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Ilirska Bistrica: $241
  • Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Celje: $172
  • Private transfer from Sežana (Casino Safir) to airport Ljubljana: $207
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Žalec: $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana 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
    Ljubljana $18
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 Ljubljana

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


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    $2.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $59
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $65
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $75
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
  • Dinner in the Dark: $87
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $92
  • Dinner in the Dark: $108
  • Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $130
  • The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $212
  • Private Food Tour With Guide and 10 Tastings: $219

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Ljubljana $16

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    $8.71

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • Škocjan Caves, Rakov Škocjan & Marshes Tour (Slovenian underground): $153
  • 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Ljubljana: $57
  • 2 Hours Ljubljana Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $71
  • 4 Hours Private Ljubljana Walking Tour: $165
  • 8-Hour Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Waterfall Savica Tour: $88
  • BEER WAY Alpine Beer Tasting & Outdoors Tour: $136
  • Best of Private tour with Ljubljana born guide: $163
  • Broken Bones Gin Experience: $37
  • City Tour of Ljubljana: $160
  • Day Tour to Bled Lake from Ljubljana: $54
  • Discover the land of green gold - Private tour from Ljubljana: $281
  • E-bike tour Škofja Loka: $121

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.81
    Ljubljana $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    $6.53

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $60
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $64
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $84
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $94
  • Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $98
  • Food and Wine Tasting with a Sommelier: $106
  • Private Family-Owned Vineyard Wine Tasting Trip: $147
  • From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $194
  • Wine Tours in Slovenia: $219
  • Wine Tours Slovenia: $219
  • Wine Tour Slovenia: $263


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Ljubljana?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Ljubljana. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ljubljana this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Ljubljana. Additionally, most visitors come to Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Ljubljana. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Ljubljana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ljubljana in the Spring?

Both Ljubljana and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Ljubljana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in)