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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Positano?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Positano? 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 Positano?

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.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Positano 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 Positano is $238. 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 Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Positano $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Positano $316
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Positano? 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 Positano


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: Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Positano $8.28
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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:


  • Bus Ticket
    $1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

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

  • private transfer from Positano to Naples or reverse: $82
  • private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES: $109
  • Transfers Positano - Naples: $207
  • Transfer- Naples Train Station/area to Positano with a stop Sorrento: $153
  • Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
  • Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
  • Shared Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Airport: $41
  • Private transfer from Positano to Salerno: $122
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples : $120
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES with 3 hours stop in Pompeii: $191
  • Private transfer Positano to Naples: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano 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
    Positano $57
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 Positano

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


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $33
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    $9.99
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
  • Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
  • Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
  • Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
  • Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Positano $65

Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano

For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    $18
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    $86
  • Sunset Cruise
    $26
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    $104
  • Cooking Class
    $70

Tours and Activities in Positano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.

  • Guided Tour Pompeii And Vesuvius from Positano Skip the Line: $299
  • Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
  • Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
  • Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: $294
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
  • Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
  • Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
  • Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
  • Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
  • Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Positano $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:

  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
  • Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
  • Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Positano?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 1040 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Positano. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Positano. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Positano 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Positano. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Positano. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Positano. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Positano 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Positano and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Positano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)