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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Oslo?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Oslo? 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo is $138. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Oslo $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Oslo $164
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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: Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.38
    Oslo $24
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 Oslo

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


  • Tram Ticket
    $6.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim- Round-Trip Transfer: $82
  • Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $41
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $216
  • Sandefjord Private Transfer from Sandefjord (TRF) Airport to City centre: $133
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo City Centre: $155
  • Private Transfer from Olso Airport to Olso Hotels: $83
  • Private Oslo Airport and City Transfers: $166
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Oslo Airport To/From Oslo): $90
  • Transfer Between Oslo City Center & Gardermoen Airport: $258
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo city centre to Oslo airport: $207
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo (OSL) Airport to City centre: $207
  • Oslo Private Airport Transfer Service || English Speaking Driver: $164

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
    Oslo $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
    $4.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.

  • Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $60
  • Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $76
  • Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $116
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $120
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Oslo $19

Tours and Activities in Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo: $97
  • 2-Hour Essential Oslo in the City Center Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • 2-Hour Private Tour in Oslo, Norway: $203
  • 2.hr Oslo Kayak Tour “Fjord City”: $93
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $222
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $49
  • 4 hours Winter View of the Oslofjord Walk Tour : $150
  • Akerselva River Kayak Tour; An Urban Paddling Adventure: $93
  • Akerselva River Tour : $97
  • An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
  • City Sightseeing Oslo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.81
    Oslo $11


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Oslo?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Oslo. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Oslo. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in July than Oslo. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Saint Petersburg is cooler than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Oslo. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Oslo. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oslo during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Oslo. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)