Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Rotterdam $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $162. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Rotterdam $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Rotterdam? 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.
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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Rotterdam $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotterdam to Rotterdam Airport (RTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City: $148
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $81
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $83
- Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $77
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $83
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $160
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $160
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint Petersburg $18Rotterdam $58
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $79
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $84
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $160
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $273
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Rotterdam $34
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $220
- Best of small-group walking tour: $96
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Rotterdam during this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Rotterdam $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.02
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.02
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Rotterdam?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Rotterdam. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Rotterdam. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Rotterdam in the Winter?
Both Rotterdam and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Rotterdam. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the spring for the activities around the city.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.