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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Prague?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Prague? 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 Prague?

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.

Prague

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is also the largest city in the country and one of the largest cities in Central Europe. Prague has long enticed travelers for its beautiful architecture, impressive bridges, detailed cathedrals, and fascinating history. Prague is unique in that is remained almost completely undamaged during World War II. The medieval city center still feels like you've stepped back in time. Despite this historic atmosphere, there is still a lot of vibrant energy and you'll find many different live music venues, art galleries, modern restaurants, and unique festivals throughout the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Prague 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 Prague is $109. 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 Prague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Prague $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Prague $134
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Prague

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Prague? 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 Prague


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: Prague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Prague $8.08
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 Prague

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:

  • Transfer from Prague to Munich: Private with a 2 Hour Stop: $267
  • Transfer from Prague to Karlovy Vary: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing : $128
  • Transfer from Prague to Dresden: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $190
  • Transfer from Prague to Cesky Krumlov: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $138
  • Transfer from Prague airport: $23
  • Transfer from Prague Hotel to Airport Prague: $58
  • Terezin Tour Including Admission Ticket and Transfer & Audio: $64
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Prague Hotel to Prague Airport: $25
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Prague Airport to Hotels: $25
  • Scenic Transfer from Prague to Munich with 2h stop in Plzen Beer Factory: $299
  • Scenic Private Transfer from Prague to Vienna or Vienna to Prague: $256
  • Scenic Private Transfer from Passau to Prague in a Sanitized Car: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Prague?

Prices for flights to both Prague 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
    Prague $26
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 Prague

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


  • Fruit
    $4.20
  • Lunch for One
    $13
  • Bananas
    $0.59
  • Cookies
    $0.33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prague

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prague.

  • Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $17
  • Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Prague with Set Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $39
  • Prague by Night: 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $47
  • Vltava River Evening Dinner Cruise: $53
  • Folkloric Dinner Show with Unlimited Drinks: $56
  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Transfers: $57
  • River Cruise with Dinner and Live Music: $58
  • Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks: $59
  • Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Prague $16

Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:


  • Opera Tickets
    $4.20
  • Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower
    $5.88
  • Image Theatre for Two
    $40

Tours and Activities in Prague

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

  • City Tour with Prague Castle with Live guide: $44
  • Live Virtual Tour of Prague: $57
  • Private live-guided E-Scooter TOURS around Prague : $57
  • The Private Prague All Inclusive Tour: $267
  • 1 hour Old timer Convertible Prague Sightseeing Tour: $136
  • 1 hour Prague Panoramic Vltava River sightseeing Cruise: $17
  • 1–Hour Vintage Car Tour: $128
  • 1,5 hour oldtimer convertible Prague sightseeing tour: $163
  • 1-Hour Introductory Tour of Prague Castle With Fast-GET Admission Ticket: $42
  • 1.5 Hour SEGWAY Tour of Prague: $63
  • 180 Min Grand Private City Tour on E-Scooter: $94
  • 2 Countries Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland tour from Prague: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Prague $11

Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:


  • A Bottle of Wine
    $6.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Prague

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

  • Staropramem Brewery Self-Guided Tour with Tasting: $13
  • Clock Tower Bar Crawl with Drinks and Shots: $23
  • 1 Hour Exclusive Moravian Wine Tasting in an Art Gallery : $28
  • Pub Crawl in Prague: $32
  • Pub Crawl and International Party: $34
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Entry: $34
  • Pub Crawl with 2-Hour Open Bar at Drunken Monkey: $35
  • Golden Burlesque Show & Live Music w/ Lady & The Devil: $36
  • Drunken Monkey Pub Crawl: $36
  • Golden BURLESQUE: $42
  • Prague beer tour with brewery visit and tasting: $46
  • Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Prague: $49


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Prague?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Prague. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Prague, 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 Prague?

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 Prague in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Prague. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Prague because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Prague in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Prague fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Prague. 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 Prague. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 216 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Prague. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Prague 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Prague in the Autumn?

Both Prague and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Prague. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Prague averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Prague during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Prague. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Prague 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Prague in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Prague. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Prague. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Prague fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Prague. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Prague. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Prague 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Prague in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Prague. Also, many visitors come to Prague in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Prague in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Prague fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Prague during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Prague. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Prague 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Prague and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Prague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)