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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Newport?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg and Newport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Newport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Saint Petersburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
Newport

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Newport.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Newport can be an interesting and educational experience. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.


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

Saint Petersburg
Newport

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Newport.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Newport. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

Is Saint Petersburg or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Newport

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint Petersburg and Newport.

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 Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Saint Petersburg or Newport Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Newport

Saint Petersburg is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Newport is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Newport is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Newport Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Newport

Saint Petersburg is terrific for the beach. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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 Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Saint Petersburg or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Saint Petersburg
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Newport?

Saint Petersburg
Newport

Newport 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Newport

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

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.

Newport is a very kid-friendly coastal city. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Saint Petersburg or Newport Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Newport

Newport 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, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg
Newport

Newport 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 Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Newport

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

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Newport?

In either Saint Petersburg or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Saint Petersburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Newport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Newport 2-5

One day in Saint Petersburg or Newport?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Newport. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Newport?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Petersburg has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the charming town of Newport. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Newport?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Newport is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Newport is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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, Newport 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 Newport is $159. 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 Newport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Newport $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Newport $184
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Newport

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Newport? 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 Newport


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 Newport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Newport $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

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

  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Newport?

Prices for flights to both Newport 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
    Newport $45
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

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

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Newport $17

Tours and Activities in Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Newport Ghosts: Seaside Hauntings and Hags Tour: $27
  • Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour: $30
  • Evening Voyage with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $45
  • Historic Highlights with the Gilded Age Private Van Tour: $225
  • Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport: $42
  • Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI: $38
  • Morning Mimosa Sightseeing Sail on Schooner Madeleine in Newport: $45
  • Newport Afternoon Sightseeing Sail on Classic Sailboat: $45
  • Newport Beach Private Tour & Whale Watching Cruise: $395
  • Newport Cliff Walk & Ocean Drive Self-Guided Tours Bundle: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Newport $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Newport, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Newport much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newport would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newport 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg than you might in Newport.

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 Newport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Newport?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Newport. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Newport during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Newport. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Newport 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Newport. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Newport in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Newport. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Newport. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Newport in the Winter?

Both Newport and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Newport can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Newport during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Newport. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Newport 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Newport. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Newport. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Newport 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Newport and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Newport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)