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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Malmo?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Malmo? 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 Malmo?

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.

Malmo

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Malmo is $81. 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 Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Malmo $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Malmo $96
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Malmo? 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 Malmo


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: Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Malmo $7.88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

  • Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
  • Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo 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 $18
    Malmo $25
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo

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

  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $59
  • Guided Food Tour in Malmö (Private): $120

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

Tours and Activities in Malmo

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

  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $21
  • Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
  • Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.35
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $58
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Malmo $35


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Malmo?

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

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 Malmo in the Summer?

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

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Malmo in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Malmo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Malmo. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Malmo in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Malmo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Malmo averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Malmo in the Winter?

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

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Malmo during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Malmo. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Malmo in the Spring?

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

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is cooler than Malmo in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malmo. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Malmo. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)