Which place is cheaper, Milan or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Milan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Milan? 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 Milan?
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.
Milan
Milan, known to most of the world as the capital of fashion and style, is also the heart of Italian industry and economics. Between the stock exchange, cathedrals and boutiques, this metropolis is a city-lover's dream come true. It is an escape from the stresses of the real world, and provides a playground for all the world's most lavish luxuries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Milan $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Milan is $178. 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 Milan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Milan $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Milan $206
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Milan
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Milan? 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: Milan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Milan $38
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 Milan
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:
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Train to Airport$7.50
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Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)$24
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Taxi From Airport$96
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Public Transit Day Pass$4.82
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Short Taxi Ride$7.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan
Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- taxi / transfer service to and from airports: $240
- Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $856
- Zug : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $684
- Vitznau : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $695
- Varese : Private Transfer to/from Rho Fiera: $171
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Milan HTL-APT (MXP): $185
- Tremezzo: Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $246
- Transfer from Milano or Linate: $136
- Transfer from Milan to Ravenna Cruise Port with stop in Verona: $257
- Transfer from Milan to Milan Malpensa: $185
- Transfer from Malpensa Airport to Milan city center: $12
- Transfer Milan city center - Malpensa airport: $12
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Milan?
Prices for flights to both Milan 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 $18Milan $42
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 Milan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:
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Snack at Train Station$9.22
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Restaurant Pizza$7.07
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Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)$29
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)$69
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Cappuccino$1.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan
For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
- Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
- Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
- Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
- Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
- Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
- Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Milan $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan
For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Stairs to Duomo Rooftop$7.50
Tours and Activities in Milan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.
- Lake Como trekking private guided tour, from Milan or Como: $174
- Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
- Milan Urban Wonders Small Group Tour: $53
- Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
- Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.53
- "Milano Style: Your Italian Fashion Experience": $164
- 1 hour Italian Food Experiences in Milan: $39
- 1.5-hour The Last Supper and Church of San Maurizio tour in Milan - small group: $85
- 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $125
- 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $156
- 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Milan by Electric Scooter: $133
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Milan $26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:
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Cocktail at a Bar$9.00
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Beer$3.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Milan
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:
- Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
- Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
- Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
- Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
- Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
- Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
- Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
- Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
- Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
- Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
- Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
- Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Milan, we can see that Milan 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Milan?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Milan, 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 Milan?
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 Milan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Milan. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan 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 Milan during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Milan. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Milan 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Milan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Milan. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Milan. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Milan. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Milan 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Milan in the Winter?
Both Milan and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.
It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Milan. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Milan 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Milan in the Spring?
Both Milan and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Milan 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Milan and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Milan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.