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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Richmond?

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 Richmond can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Richmond?

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Petersburg than Richmond. Saint Petersburg is bigger than Richmond, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Richmond and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Richmond is well known for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Richmond 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 Richmond?

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Richmond.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Richmond can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.


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

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

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

Dining out in Saint Petersburg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Saint Petersburg or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

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

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 Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is Saint Petersburg or Richmond Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

Saint Petersburg is very good for its resorts. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Richmond Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Richmond is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation 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.

Richmond is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Richmond?

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Richmond 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.

Richmond offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Is Saint Petersburg or Richmond Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

Saint Petersburg is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly coastal city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Saint Petersburg or Richmond Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

Saint Petersburg is notable for couples. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Saint Petersburg or Richmond Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

Richmond is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

Saint Petersburg and Richmond 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.


Is Saint Petersburg or Richmond a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Richmond

Richmond is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Richmond is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Petersburg or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Petersburg than Richmond because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Richmond.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Richmond. 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 Richmond. 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.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Richmond? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Richmond 1-2

One day in Saint Petersburg or Richmond?

The coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Petersburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly city of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Richmond 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 Richmond?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Richmond 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Richmond 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 Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Richmond $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Richmond $202
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Richmond

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 and Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Richmond $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $21
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

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

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Richmond $13

Tours and Activities in Richmond

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

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • Private Sightseeing Tour by Electric Cart in Richmond: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Richmond -

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

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

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Richmond, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Richmond much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Richmond would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Richmond 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 Richmond.

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 Richmond Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Richmond?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond in the Summer?

Both Richmond and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Richmond this time of year.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

In Richmond, 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 Richmond. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun.

Richmond 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 Richmond. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Richmond. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Richmond for the shopping scene.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Richmond in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Richmond. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Richmond in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Richmond. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Richmond can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Richmond. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Richmond averages at about 36°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 Richmond. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Richmond. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Richmond. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Richmond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Richmond during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Richmond. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Richmond 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Richmond and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)