A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Nantucket for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Nantucket?

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 Nantucket can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Saint Petersburg and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Nantucket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Saint Petersburg and Nantucket are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantucket is more popular for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg is known for its museums and beaches. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


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

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

Nantucket is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

The vibe at night is good in both Saint Petersburg and Nantucket.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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.


Is Saint Petersburg or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

Saint Petersburg is renowned for its beaches. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for its historic old town. However, Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

Nantucket is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Nantucket?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Nantucket.

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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly coastal city. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

Nantucket is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.


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

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Nantucket

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

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Nantucket?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.


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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Nantucket?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nantucket 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 Nantucket is $350. 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 Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Nantucket? 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 Nantucket


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 Nantucket Hotel Prices.

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
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
    Nantucket $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Nantucket $35


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Nantucket?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Nantucket in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Nantucket averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Nantucket. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantucket in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Nantucket. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Nantucket in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)