A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Phoenix for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Phoenix can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums, food, resorts, and beaches, while Phoenix is more popular for its hiking. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Phoenix and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Saint Petersburg or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint Petersburg and Phoenix.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Saint Petersburg or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg is considered to be a world-class beach destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is very good for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Phoenix. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Phoenix both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Phoenix offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Phoenix Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Petersburg. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Saint Petersburg or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Saint Petersburg or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg and Phoenix both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg and Phoenix are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Phoenix. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Phoenix. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint Petersburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Phoenix. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Petersburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Phoenix if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Petersburg.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Phoenix. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Petersburg has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the desert city of Phoenix. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Phoenix is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Phoenix. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Phoenix. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Saint Petersburg