A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Minneapolis for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Minneapolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Minneapolis than Saint Petersburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Minneapolis is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its food, resorts, and beaches. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Minneapolis and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.


Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Saint Petersburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Minneapolis for the nightlife scene. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is terrific for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Minneapolis. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Minneapolis is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.


Is Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Minneapolis is a good coastal city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is very popular with students. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Is Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.


Is Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis. In our opinion, Minneapolis has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Minneapolis than Saint Petersburg. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Minneapolis. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint Petersburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Minneapolis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Petersburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Saint Petersburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Minneapolis.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Saint Petersburg. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Minneapolis. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse city of Minneapolis. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.


Five days in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

The relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $140
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $70
  • Rochester: One-Way Shared Transfer to or from MSP: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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 $49
    Minneapolis $40
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • 2-Hour Historic Heartbeats of Minneapolis Senior Tour with Guide: $196
  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $55
  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $701
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $9.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $8.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Highest Rated 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour in Minneapolis: $80
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Minneapolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Minneapolis. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis in the Winter?

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

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Minneapolis. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)