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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or San Antonio?

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 San Antonio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a festive, fun, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Petersburg and San Antonio: 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
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Popular at Christmas
  • 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 San Antonio?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Saint Petersburg than San Antonio. While San Antonio is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches, while San Antonio is known for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than San Antonio and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. San Antonio is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is Saint Petersburg different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or San Antonio.

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 San Antonio can be an interesting and educational experience. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.


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

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

The vibe at night is good in both Saint Petersburg and San Antonio.

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 San Antonio. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio Better for Music?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

San Antonio is very good for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Antonio. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its resorts. However, San Antonio is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

San Antonio is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

San Antonio is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio Better for its Old Town?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

San Antonio is very good for its historic old town. However, Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

San Antonio is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or San Antonio?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and San Antonio both offer plenty of good 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.

San Antonio offers some nice shopping areas. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

San Antonio is very good for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in San Antonio. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

San Antonio is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

San Antonio is one of the most popular family destinations. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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.


Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Saint Petersburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

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

It's common for students to visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

Saint Petersburg and San Antonio both offer decent 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 San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.


Is Saint Petersburg or San Antonio a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
San Antonio

Saint Petersburg and San Antonio are decent 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.

San Antonio is generally not very walkable. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in San Antonio or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or San Antonio?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and San Antonio. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in San Antonio. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Antonio.

Families should spend more time in San Antonio than Saint Petersburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Antonio, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than San Antonio. 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 San Antonio than Saint Petersburg 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 San Antonio.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or San Antonio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    San Antonio 2-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of San Antonio. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or San Antonio?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic city of San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

The relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

San Antonio 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, San Antonio 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 San Antonio is $132. 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 San Antonio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    San Antonio $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    San Antonio $138
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and San Antonio

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or San Antonio? 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 San Antonio


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 San Antonio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    San Antonio $20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Galveston: One-Way Transfer GLS Airport to City: $237
  • Private Transfer: San Antonio Airport to San Antonio by Sedan, SUV or Minibus : $97
  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT) - Arrival or Departure Private Transfer : $93
  • Private Round Trip Transfer - San Antonio International Airport (SAT): $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or San Antonio?

Prices for flights to both San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $40
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 San Antonio

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

  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    San Antonio $36

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

Here are a few actual costs in San Antonio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 3 Hours Private Historic Sightseeing Tour in San Antonio : $95
  • Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo: $169
  • Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket with Guided Cavern Tour: $25
  • Downtown San Antonio Helicopter Tour: $197
  • Half-Day Afternoon City Tour of Historic San Antonio : $65
  • Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour: $39
  • Historic Missions Bike Tour - 2 Mission Southern Route: $65
  • Historic Missions Bike Tour - 2 Missions Northern Route: $65
  • Historic Spanish Missions Bike Tour - 3 Missions Tour: $85
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio Admission Ticket: $27
  • PRIVATE Missions and More - Half-day City Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    San Antonio -

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour: $30
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $155


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

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 San Antonio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or San Antonio?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and San Antonio, 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 San Antonio?

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 San Antonio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as San Antonio. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Antonio for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as San Antonio in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and San Antonio fluctuates around 87°F (31°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Antonio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than San Antonio. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 307 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than San Antonio. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    San Antonio 87°F (31°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or San Antonio in the Autumn?

Both San Antonio and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Antonio because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as San Antonio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and San Antonio averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in San Antonio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than San Antonio during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than San Antonio. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    San Antonio 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or San Antonio in the Winter?

Both San Antonio and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Antonio this time of year.

In January, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than San Antonio. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and San Antonio fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than San Antonio. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Antonio receives 155 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in January than San Antonio. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    San Antonio 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or San Antonio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and San Antonio. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Antonio for the natural beauty.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as San Antonio in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and San Antonio fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Antonio this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than San Antonio during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while San Antonio receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than San Antonio. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while San Antonio receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    San Antonio 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for San Antonio and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg San Antonio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 54°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 65°F (18°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 74°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 79°F (26°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)