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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Orlando?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Orlando? 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 Orlando?

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.

Orlando

Orlando is a haven for tourists from the entire United States and abroad. The most famous sight in Orlando, Walt Disney World, is not actually located in the city at all, but in nearby Lake Buena Vista. The area attracts over 50 million visitors a year and the city's sprawling development has created amenities and entertainment options for tourists of all ages.

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


Which place is cheaper, Orlando or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Orlando is $321. 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 Orlando in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $37
    Orlando $154
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $74
    Orlando $308
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Orlando

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Orlando? 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 Orlando


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: Orlando Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.42
    Orlando $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Orlando APT-HTL (MCO): $96
  • Transfer service in Orlando. MCO: $75
  • Transfer from Orlando International Airport to Central Florida: $115
  • Sedan Transfer Orlando Airport to Disney Resort up to 4 Passengers: $150
  • Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) to Hotels near Universal - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • SUV Transfer TO or FROM MCO to Lake Buena Vista (Disney Hotels): $145
  • SUV Port Transfer TO or FROM Orlando International Airport MCO: $187
  • Roundtrip transfer Orlando Airport-Hotels in Disney and Universal: $96
  • Private Transfers from Port Canaveral to Disney Hotels: $250
  • Private Transfer: Sanford Airport to Lake Buena Vista Resort Area: $75
  • Private Transfer: Orlando to Orlando International Airport (MCO): $80
  • Private Transfer: Legoland to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Orlando?

Prices for flights to both Orlando 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 $19
    Orlando $65
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.69

Typical Food Prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

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

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $38
  • Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven : $50
  • Señor Frogs Lunch / Dinner Package: $50
  • Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with Live Music: $58
  • Downtown Murder Mystery Walking Dinner Tour: $66
  • Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando: $69
  • Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
  • Teatro Martini Dinner Show in Orlando: $79
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Orlando $204

Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

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

  • 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando: $77
  • Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida: $89
  • 1 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of The Famous Chain of Lakes: $27
  • 16 mile Heli Tour Over Disney Spring, Epcot, Hollywood Studios: $86
  • 16 miles Private Helicopter Day Tour over Fun Spot: $65
  • 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes: $42
  • 2 Hour Investigative Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown Orlando: $50
  • 23 mile Heli Tour, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom &more: $127
  • 23 miles Day Flight Heli Coaster Adventure Ride: $128
  • 3- or 4-Park Magic Ticket at Walt Disney World Resort: $284
  • 8-Hour Automatic Polaris Slingshot SL Adventure Rental: $300
  • Beer Spirits and Ghosts Walking Tour: $170

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.86
    Orlando $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85
  • Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Orlando, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Orlando is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Orlando?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Orlando, 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 Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Orlando. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Orlando fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Orlando. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Orlando 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Orlando in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Orlando. Also, many travelers come to Orlando for the shopping scene.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Orlando in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Orlando fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Orlando. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Orlando 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Orlando in the Winter?

Both Orlando and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Orlando in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Orlando. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Orlando averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Orlando. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Orlando 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Orlando in the Spring?

Both Orlando 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 Orlando. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Orlando. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Orlando 72°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Orlando and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Orlando
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 62°F (16°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 82°F (28°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 82°F (28°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 75°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)