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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and skiing.

Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

Both Pocono Mountains and Saint Petersburg have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and beaches, while Pocono Mountains attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Pocono Mountains is famous for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is great for skiing. However, Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.


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

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Saint Petersburg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Saint Petersburg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. 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.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Saint Petersburg is a coastal city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.


Is Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Is Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Saint Petersburg is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains both offer plenty of nice 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.

Pocono Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly coastal city. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Both Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.


Is Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Pocono Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains both offer reasonable 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Pocono Mountains

Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains are reasonable 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.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.


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

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

Both Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains. 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 Pocono Mountains than Saint Petersburg 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 Pocono Mountains.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Pocono Mountains 3-7

One day in Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed destination of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the magnificent region of Pocono Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, while the average daily cost in Pocono Mountains is $174. 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 Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Pocono Mountains $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Pocono Mountains $178
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains? 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 Pocono Mountains


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Pocono Mountains $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains 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 $49
    Pocono Mountains $53
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Pocono Mountains $30

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

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

  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141
  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Pocono Mountains $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Pocono Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pocono Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pocono Mountains 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg than you might in Pocono Mountains.

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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

Pocono Mountains gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Pocono Mountains. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Pocono Mountains can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

Both Pocono Mountains and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Pocono Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)