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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Manchester?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Manchester? 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 Manchester?

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.

Manchester

Located in the heart of Northern England, Manchester is the unofficial Capital of the North. Though it dates back as a Roman city, the city boomed in growth during the Industrial Revolution in textiles, and is today one of the most-visited cities in England by overseas travelers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Manchester 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 Manchester is $229. 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 Manchester in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Manchester $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Manchester $176
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Manchester

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Manchester? 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 Manchester


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: Manchester Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Manchester $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    $14
  • Parking in Manchester
    $3.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

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

  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Manchester: $8.12
  • Private Transfer from Worsley to Manchester Airport (MAN): $60
  • Private Transfer from Walkden to Manchester Airport (MAN): $65
  • Private Transfer from Trafford Park to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford Quays to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Rochdale to Manchester Airport (MAN): $88
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Wrexham: $233
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Todmorden: $113
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stoke on Trent: $115
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockton Heath: $65
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockport: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Manchester?

Prices for flights to both Manchester 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
    Manchester $69
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 Manchester

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Manchester $38

Tours and Activities in Manchester

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

  • SEA LIFE Manchester Admission Ticket: $21
  • 3-Hour Manchester Shopping Tour with a Stylist: $119
  • 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester: $522
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester: $21
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester: $51
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $235
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $463
  • Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester: $74
  • Christmas Charms of Manchester – Private Walking Tour: $566
  • City River Tour: $15
  • Craft Beer Tour around Manchester: $51
  • Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour: $666

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Manchester $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Manchester?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Manchester, 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Manchester. Also, many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Manchester. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Manchester. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Manchester 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Manchester in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Manchester. Also, many visitors come to Manchester in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Manchester in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Manchester fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Manchester. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Manchester. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Manchester 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Manchester in the Winter?

Both Manchester and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Manchester can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Manchester. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Manchester averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Manchester during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Manchester. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Manchester 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Manchester in the Spring?

Both Manchester and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Manchester. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Manchester 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Manchester and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Manchester
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)