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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Podgorica?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica?

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.

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica 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 Podgorica is $112. 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 Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Podgorica $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica


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: Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Podgorica $21
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 Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • VAN Private transfers from Airport Podgorica and city to Budva: $120
  • Transfer from Podgorica to Sarajevo: $251
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Budva: $87
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Bar (and viceversa): $91
  • Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat : $108
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva: $75
  • Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Bar: $75
  • Private transfer from Podgorica to Ostrog monastery (minivan): $117
  • Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Ulcinj : $107
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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
    Podgorica $43
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
    Podgorica $22

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

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

  • ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića: $333
  • ATV Tour Montenegro - Žabljak Crnojevića: $195
  • Bar and Ulcinj Private Tour - Oriental Montenegro Experience: $240
  • Bay of Kotor hiking experience - Montenegro Travel Club private tour: $185
  • Biogradska Gora - Biograd Lake & Moraca canyon - Skadar Lake tour: $156
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Montenegro Tour: $99
  • Book Your Sunset in Budva Tour : $93
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Cheese farm tour in the katun: $279
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Podgorica $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $77
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
  • Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Podgorica?

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

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 Podgorica in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Podgorica.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Podgorica. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Podgorica in the Autumn?

Both Podgorica and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Podgorica. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Podgorica in the Winter?

Both Podgorica and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Podgorica. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Podgorica in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Podgorica.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)