A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or New York City?

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 New York City 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Saint Petersburg and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or New York City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Saint Petersburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg is known for its resorts and beaches. New York City is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Saint Petersburg different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit New York City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is terrific for theatre. However, Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is terrific for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

New York City is a must-see party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

New York City is terrific for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or New York City Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or New York City Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or New York City?

New York City 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 New York City. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, New York City is a top place to visit during Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Petersburg or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Saint Petersburg or New York City Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or New York City.

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.

New York City is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Saint Petersburg or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City 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, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

New York City is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of New York City can take you anywhere. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all 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 New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is terrific for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or New York City?

Both Saint Petersburg and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Saint Petersburg or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

People visit New York City because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and New York City. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than New York City in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than New York City. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as New York City. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than New York City. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than New York City. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for New York City and Saint Petersburg