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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Norfolk?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Norfolk?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Saint Petersburg and Norfolk are roughly the same size, Saint Petersburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Saint Petersburg or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Saint Petersburg or Norfolk Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its resorts. However, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Norfolk Better for Beaches?

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. 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.

Norfolk is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Norfolk?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Norfolk both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. 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.

Norfolk offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Norfolk Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Saint Petersburg or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Saint Petersburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

Saint Petersburg and Norfolk both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Norfolk a more walkable city?

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

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Petersburg or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Petersburg than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Norfolk 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 Saint Petersburg.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Norfolk?

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 authentic destination of Norfolk. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Norfolk?

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 authentic city of Norfolk. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Norfolk?

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.

Norfolk is a great place to explore. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Norfolk, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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 Norfolk Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Norfolk?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Norfolk. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Norfolk. Saint Petersburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Norfolk. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Norfolk in the Winter?

Both Norfolk and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Norfolk. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Norfolk. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Norfolk. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Norfolk. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Norfolk this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Saint Petersburg