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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Pamplona?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Pamplona? 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 Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a city in northern Spain located on the snow-capped foothills of the Pyrenees Range. With the backdrop of mountains, the city is surrounded by a setting ideal for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Yet Pamplona itself is a place full of lively culture and stunning architecture. With a long history, the place is embedded in tradition and perhaps most famous for its annual "running of the bulls" celebrated in July, also known as the San Fermin festival.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona 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 Pamplona is $141. 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 Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Pamplona $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Pamplona $144
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Pamplona? 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 Pamplona


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: Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Pamplona $26
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 Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona 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
    Pamplona $44
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

Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $11
  • Ice Cream
    $4.82
  • Coffee
    $1.39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Pamplona $36

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

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

  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $260
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $427
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $283
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Pamplona $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

Also in Pamplona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Pamplona?

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

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Pamplona. Additionally, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is cooler than Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. 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 Pamplona. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Pamplona. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Pamplona. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)