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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Los Angeles?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles?

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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is $258. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $37
    Los Angeles $140
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $74
    Los Angeles $280
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Los Angeles

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles


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: Los Angeles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.42
    Los Angeles $42
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 Los Angeles

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:


  • Hotel Parking for a Day
    $22
  • Taxi to Airport
    $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles

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

  • World Cruise Center to Long Beach Airport(LGB)-Departure Transfer: $66
  • World Cruise Center to Long Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $121
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Los Angeles APT-HTL (LAX): $141
  • San Diego Private Transfer To or From Universal Studios/Burbank.: $248
  • Roundtrip transfer in private car Los Angeles Airport (LAX)-Los Angeles Downtown: $100
  • RoundTrip private transfer from Los Angeles airportLAX to Anaheim: $133
  • Private transfer from Los Angeles airport LAX to Anheim: $67
  • Private Transfers between LAX Airport and Los Angeles: $519
  • Private Transfers between LAX Airport and LA City Center: $97
  • Private Transfer: Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to LA City Center: $26
  • Private Transfer: Los Angeles (LAX) to/from Anaheim Resort Area: $123
  • Private Transfer: LAX Airport and Universal Studio Hollywood: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Los Angeles?

Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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
    Los Angeles $60
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.69

Typical Food Prices in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Mexican Dinner (family of 4)
    $32
  • Burritos for Two
    $15
  • Coffee and Danish
    $7.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles

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

  • Venice Beach Food Tour with Tastings: $75
  • Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $82
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $88
  • Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
  • West Hollywood Food Tour: $89
  • Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $89
  • Downtown Food Tour: $89
  • Venice Beach Food Tour: $89
  • LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Downtown Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste: $110
  • Night Cruise in Marina del Rey with Dinner: $124
  • Vegan African Dinner Party in Playa Del Ray: $132

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Los Angeles $82

Typical Entertainment Prices in Los Angeles

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)
    $37
  • Bowling
    $13
  • Hollywood Tour for Two
    $30
  • Six Flags for 2
    $96

Tours and Activities in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Hour Private Ferrari Driving Tour: Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $289
  • 2 Hour Celebrity Homes Tour: $175
  • 2 Hour Griffith Park Observatory Tour: $20
  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes: $175
  • 2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour: $45
  • 2-Hours Guided Black and Brown Hollywood Tour: $77
  • 2.5 Hour Fright Sights Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
  • 2.5 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
  • 2.5-hour Hollywood Chills Tour - Celebrity Scandals and Cemeteries : $219
  • 20 Min Ferrari driving tour in Hollywood: $99
  • 20 Min Lamborghini driving tour in Hollywood: $139
  • 3 Hours Private Photoshoot and Self-Guided Tour in Los Angeles: $287

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.86
    Los Angeles $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Los Angeles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:

  • LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Salsa Lesson, Burlesque and Mojitos : $149
  • Salsa Lesson and Burlesque Show: $149
  • Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195
  • Wine Tour at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter: $4,299


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Los Angeles is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Los Angeles?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Los Angeles. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

Both Los Angeles and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Los Angeles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 72°F (22°C).

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Los Angeles. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Los Angeles 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Los Angeles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Los Angeles. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Los Angeles in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Los Angeles 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Los Angeles. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Los Angeles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Los Angeles 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Los Angeles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 61°F (16°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 70°F (21°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)