Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Marseille?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Marseille? 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 Marseille?
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.
Marseille
Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Marseille $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Marseille is $158. 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 Marseille in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Marseille $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Marseille $152
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Marseille
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Marseille? 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.
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: Marseille Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Marseille $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:
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Metro Pass$3.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille
Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfert aéroport de Marseille -> Marseille centre/hôtels: $192
- Transfert Aéroport Marseille vers : $225
- Transfer from Marseille Provence Airport to Toulon Cruise Port: $117
- Transfer from Marseille Airport to Train Station / Ports / Hotels: $164
- Transfer between Marseille airport and Marseille city: $84
- Transfer Marseille city center to Marseille Airport: $87
- Transfer Marseille Airport to Marseille city center: $89
- Transfer : $84
- Taxi aéroport Marseille cassis transfer port Cruise: $150
- Private transfer from Marseille Airport to Cavaillon: $279
- Private transfer by car: Marseille airport to / from Cassis-La Ciotat: $184
- Private transfer by car: Marseille airport from or to Avignon: $218
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Marseille?
Prices for flights to both Marseille 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint Petersburg $18Marseille $45
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.61
Typical Food Prices in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orangina$2.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
- No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
- Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
- Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
- Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
- Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
- Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
- Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
- Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
- Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
- Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
- Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Marseille $41
Tours and Activities in Marseille
For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Old Marseille" district tour and treasure hunt: $29
- 2H: City-Tour Marseille: $274
- 3h Kayak Tour at Calanques National Park: $67
- A Day in Provence Small Group Tour from Marseille: $180
- Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Shore Excursion Tour: $642
- All Inclusive Food & History Tour of Marseille with Local Guide: $144
- Beer tasting experience in Marseille: $43
- Bookbinding experience in the Vieux Port: $93
- Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Tour: $50
- Calanques National Park Kayak Day Tour: $112
- Calanques Trilogy Electric Bike Tour from Marseille: $65
- Canyoning Half Day Tour from La Ciotat : $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Marseille $29
Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:
- Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
- Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
- Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
- New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
- Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
- Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
- Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
- Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $164
- Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
- Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Marseille, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Marseille?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Marseille, 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 Marseille?
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 Marseille in the Summer?
Both Marseille and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Marseille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Marseille averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Marseille. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Marseille 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Marseille in the Autumn?
Both Marseille and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Marseille. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Marseille 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Marseille in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Marseille. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Marseille in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Marseille fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Marseille during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Marseille. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Marseille 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Marseille in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Marseille. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.
The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Marseille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Marseille averages at about 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Marseille. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Marseille 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Marseille and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Marseille | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.