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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Naples?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Naples? 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 Naples?

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.

Naples

Naples is the most populous city in southern Italy. The city sits against the Bay of Naples, and is in close proximity to Mount Vesuvius, which is most famous for its eruption in 79 AD which destroyed the communities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Naples has a wonderfully sunny, Mediterranean climate, some great beaches, and beautiful architecture. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and because city officials have established strict building codes there is almost no condo style development along the coast. This helps Naples to maintain its authentic and historic atmosphere.

Many people love Naples for its history and authenticity, while others complain that it is noisy, crowded, and dirty. You can visibly see that the poverty in Southern Italy is higher than in the northern part of the country. Traffic is also chaotic, but what some travelers consider flaws, others see as benefits. Nobody can deny that Naples is truly an authentic Italian city. It has some of the country's best food and wine, the weather is ideal, and the prices are far cheaper than the northern regions. It has a large number of attractions in the form of museums and galleries, and there are some of the world's best ruins in nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Naples 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 Naples is $138. 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 Naples in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Naples $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Naples $140
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Naples

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Naples? 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 Naples


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: Naples Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Naples $23
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 Naples

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


  • Subway Ticket
    $1.29
  • Alibus From Airport
    $3.21
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $7.86
  • Train to Pompeii
    $3.43
  • Taxi
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:

  • transfer from napoli to positano or back: $107
  • transfer by luxury car from the airport, station, etc., to the city of Naples: $98
  • private transfer from Naples to Sorrento: $251
  • private transfer from Naples to Peastum or Peastum to Naples: $109
  • private transfer from NAPLES to MATERA: $273
  • private transfer Naples to Sorrento: $121
  • Vesuvius easy Transfer: $25
  • Vesuvio Tour_Transfer+Entrance ticket: $40
  • Venice Airport : One Way Transfer to Canazei: $567
  • Van Transfer from Naples Apt to Sorrento/Amalfi/Positano: $321
  • Trekking The Path of the Gods and Round Trip Transfer: $273
  • Transfers from the Beverello pier (Naples) to Fiumicino Aereoprto: $276

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Naples?

Prices for flights to both Naples 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
    Naples $43
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 Naples

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $30
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $52
  • Napoli Pizza
    $7.76
  • Dinner
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples

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

  • Napoli: Traditional Tiramisu Cooking Class with Limoncello: $36
  • Small Group Naples Pizza Making Class with Drink Included: $46
  • Street Food Tour of Naples with Top-Rated Local Guide & Fun Facts: $46
  • Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert: $46
  • Authentic Italian Pizza-Making Workshop with Drinks: $46
  • Authentic Pizza Class with Drinks Included in the Center of Naples: $47
  • Authentic Italian Pizza Making Class with local pizzaiolo: $53
  • Food Tour with Davide: $53
  • Virtual Cooking Class: become a Pizza PRO!: $55
  • Food Tour of Naples with Davide: $55
  • Napoli Street Food Tour in Pignasecca: $58
  • Make Neapolitan Pizza With A View Of Naples Like No Other: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Naples $32

Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples

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


  • Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance
    $9.64
  • Castelnuovo Museum Entrance
    $5.36
  • Entrance to Pompeii
    $12

Tours and Activities in Naples

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

  • From Naples : Discovery Capri with Chairlift Experience : $158
  • Guided Tour to Ruins of Pompeii and Vesuvius From Naples: $141
  • Herculaneum Private Walking Tour: $164
  • Naples City Walking Tour Exploring Naples with a native guide : $87
  • Napoli Sight Eating Walk: Food and Sight Tour: $45
  • Pompeii private tour: $109
  • Positano & Sorrento Private Day Tour: $273
  • Private Tour a Pompeii e Sorrento from Napoli: $218
  • Royal Palace of Caserta Private Tour for cruise ship : $164
  • Walking Tour of Herculaneum with Local Guide: $60
  • (Ercolano) Herculaneum , Half Day Private Tour: $136
  • 2 Hours Naples Metro Tour with 24 Hour Metro Ticket included: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Naples $23

Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples

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


  • Beer
    $4.39
  • Beer
    $4.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Naples

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $16
  • Mount Vesuvius: Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $51
  • Regional food and wine tasting: $53
  • Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Napoli: $63
  • Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Naples City Center: $64
  • Full-Day Bike Guided Tour in Napoli with Wine Tasting: $64
  • Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch Included: $75
  • Mount Vesuvius 4-Hour Volcano Tour with Wine Tasting: $79
  • Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $86
  • Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $90
  • Vesuvius Half-Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $95
  • From Wine Tasting Tour on Vesuvius Slopes with Lunch: $97


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Naples?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Naples. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Naples 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Naples in the Autumn?

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

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

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Naples. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Naples in the Winter?

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

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Naples. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Naples 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples 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 Naples this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Naples. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Naples 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Naples and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Naples
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)