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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Munich?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Munich? 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 Munich?

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.

Munich

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and a top travel destination within Germany. It has stunning architecture and a cultural scene that rivals Berlin. It has some of the country's top museums, festivals, and concerts. Munich is most famous for its Oktoberfest, which is easily the busiest time of year in the city. The architecture is what surprises most travelers. It's quite impressive and truly adds to the character of the city. Although much of Munich was destroyed during World War II, the city has successfully rebuilt most of the buildings in their previous style. Much of the city remains as it was in the 1800s. There are two major research universities in Munich, helping to make it a center for engineering, business, and the sciences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Munich 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 Munich is $160. 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 Munich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Munich $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Munich $194
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Munich

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Munich? 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 Munich


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: Munich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Munich $21
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 Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    $2.49
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    $5.63
  • City transport day ticket
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Munich APT-HTL (MUC): $177
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Munich Airport (MUC)- Munich City: $74
  • Transfer Munich to Kaprun,Zell am See,Flachau,Stubai,Kitzbuhel,Innsbruck & Other: $259
  • Skip-the-line Nymphenburg Palace Guided Tour with Transfers: $235
  • Skip-the-line Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich with Transfers: $132
  • Salzburg to Munich Transfer: $266
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Munich Airport (MUC) - Munich City: $155
  • Private transfer from Munich to Vienna: $927
  • Private transfer from Munich to Prague: $703
  • Private arrival transfer Munich Airport to Munich Hotels: $245
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to Munich airport: $291
  • Private Transfer: Munich to Munich International Airport (MUC): $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Munich?

Prices for flights to both Munich 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
    Munich $29
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

Typical Food Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    $5.42
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    $2.11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour: $46
  • Munich Food Tour with Beer Tasting: $47
  • Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
  • 6 gears dinner show menu: $99
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $136
  • Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
  • Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $209
  • Private - Viktualienmarkt Food Tour and Beyond - best Munich tastings: $229
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Munich $31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    $4.33
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    $9.75
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    $15
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    $26

Tours and Activities in Munich

Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours VIP Private Segway Tour: $91
  • 2-hour Private Walking Tour in Munich: $214
  • 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $210
  • 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $210
  • A Tour inside Munich's Justizpalast: $23
  • Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $202
  • Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich: $68
  • Bavarian Food Walking Tour from Munich : $47
  • Bayern Munich Tour (City, Land, Bazaar, Historical, Taste): $266
  • Bayern Tour (München Nürnberg Erlangen Würzburg Bamberg): $533
  • Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest Day Tour from Munich: $71
  • Best of Munich - Private Tour: $425

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Munich $40

Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

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

  • Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $28
  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
  • English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $37
  • Cheese & Wine tasting: $95
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $287
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Munich?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Munich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Munich averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Munich. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Munich. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Munich 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Munich. Also, most visitors come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Munich. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Munich during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Munich. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Munich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Munich. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Munich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Munich can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Munich in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Munich. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Munich. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Munich -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Munich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Munich during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Munich. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Munich 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Munich and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Munich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)