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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Montevideo?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo?

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.

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.


Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Montevideo is $64. 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 Montevideo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $37
    Montevideo $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $74
    Montevideo $80
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Montevideo

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.42
    Montevideo $7.38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $19
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $30
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Carrasco Airport Transfer: $20
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Montevideo?

Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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 $19
    Montevideo $14
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Montevideo $21

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
  • Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $120
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $120
  • Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
  • City Tour of Montevideo: $40
  • City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
  • City tour Montevideo: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.86
    Montevideo -

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Montevideo, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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. Even though Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Montevideo is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Montevideo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Montevideo?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montevideo. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Montevideo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Saint Petersburg has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Montevideo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Montevideo.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Montevideo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Montevideo averages at about 24°C (75°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Montevideoin January. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Montevideo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Montevideo.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Montevideoin April. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Montevideoin April. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 171 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montevideo. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Montevideoin April. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Montevideo in the Winter?

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

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Montevideo in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Montevideo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Montevideoin July. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Montevideo in the Spring?

Both Montevideo and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Montevideo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Montevideo averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Montevideoin October. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun.

Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Montevideoin October. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Montevideo and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Montevideo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)