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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Sacramento?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Sacramento: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Sacramento?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Sacramento and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also well known for St. Pete Beach. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Sacramento.

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 Sacramento can be an interesting and educational experience. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.


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

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Saint Petersburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

The vibe at night is nice in both Saint Petersburg and Sacramento.

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 Sacramento. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sacramento Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sacramento is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Sacramento is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Sacramento Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

Saint Petersburg is very popular for the beache. However, Sacramento is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. 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.

Sacramento is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Sacramento?

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Sacramento both offer plenty of nice 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.

Sacramento offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sacramento Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Petersburg is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.


Is Saint Petersburg or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

Saint Petersburg and Sacramento both offer reasonable 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Sacramento

Saint Petersburg and Sacramento are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

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

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.


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

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Sacramento?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Petersburg or Sacramento to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Petersburg than Sacramento 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 Sacramento.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Sacramento if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Petersburg.


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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid back city of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sacramento 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sacramento 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 Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Sacramento $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Round Trip Private Transfer in Sacramento Airport to Calistoga: $295
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Mammoth Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $295
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $220
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $218
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $122
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53
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 Sacramento

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

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Sacramento $19

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

For Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Davis Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Downtown Sacramento Mural and Art Walking Tour : $45
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Full-Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,orKneeboard: $850
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Half Day Boarding Experience Wakeboard,Wakesurf,or Kneeboard: $425
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Sacramento $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Placer County Wine Tasting Pass: $19
  • Wine Tasting Audio Tour - Amador County CA: $30
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Sacramento. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sacramento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Sacramento. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Sacramento in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Sacramento. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sacramento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Sacramento during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Sacramento. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sacramento in the Spring?

Both Sacramento and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

In Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Sacramento. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 328 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in April than Sacramento. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Sacramento 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)