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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Olympos?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Olympos? 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 Olympos?

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.

Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.

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


Which place is cheaper, Olympos 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 Olympos is $95. 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 Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Olympos $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Olympos $86
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Olympos? 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 Olympos


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: Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Olympos $30
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos

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

  • Two Days Tour to Cappadocia with HB Hotel & Transfer from Kemer: $192
  • Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $22
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Beldibi & Göynük & Kemer Resorts: $240
  • Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Çıralı & Olympos & Adrasan Resorts: $299
  • Private Transfer From Beldibi / Göynük / Kemer / Kiriş To Antalya Airport: $91
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
  • Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $15
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos 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
    Olympos $30
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos

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

  • Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar : $33
  • Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Olympos $29

Tours and Activities in Olympos

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Olympos.

  • 2 Hour Olympos Cable Car Tour to Tahtali Mountains from Kemer: $66
  • 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
  • 9 Hours Rafting, Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure from Kemer: $38
  • Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
  • Buggy Safari and Rafting Adventure from Kemer: $38
  • Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36
  • Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
  • Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch and Drinks from Kemer: $63
  • Kemer 3 in 1 Tour Rafting Quad Safari and Zipline Experience: $40
  • Kemer ATV Mountain Biking Tour: $54
  • Kemer Bay Blue Cruise from Kemer: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Olympos $18


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



When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Olympos?

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 Olympos in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Olympos.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Olympos. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Olympos in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Olympos.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Olympos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Olympos fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Olympos. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Olympos 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Olympos in the Winter?

Both Olympos and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Olympos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Olympos averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Olympos. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Olympos in the Spring?

Both Olympos and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Olympos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in April than Olympos. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)