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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Oxford?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Oxford? 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 Oxford?

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.

Oxford

Oxford is a city in England best known as the home of the 12-century Oxford University, the oldest English-speaking university in the world. The city also features landmarks such as Christ Church, the Bodleian Library, and a number of world-class museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Oxford 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 Oxford is $164. 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 Oxford in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Oxford $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Oxford $178
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Oxford

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Oxford? 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 Oxford


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: Oxford Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Oxford $34
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 Oxford

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

  • Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96
  • Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234
  • Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
  • Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
  • National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34
  • Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Oxford?

Prices for flights to both Oxford 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
    Oxford $51
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Oxford $24

Tours and Activities in Oxford

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

  • "Luxury 8 Hours Day Tour in Oxford!": $491
  • 1.5-hour Oxford University and Colleges Walking Tour: $25
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour: $23
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour & Carfax Tower Entry: $27
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Oxford With University Alumni Guide: $159
  • 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford : $29
  • Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford: $62
  • Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket: $35
  • Blenheim Palace Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Brazilian Tapas Dining Experience with Pagode Music and Wine : $44
  • CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 11.45am: $64
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Oxford $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Oxford?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Oxford, 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Oxford. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Oxford during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Oxford. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Oxford 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Oxford in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Oxford fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Oxford. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Oxford. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Oxford 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Oxford in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Oxford. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Oxford during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Oxford. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Oxford 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Oxford. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Oxford. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Oxford 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Oxford and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Oxford
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)