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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or San Francisco?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a scenic, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Saint Petersburg and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or San Francisco?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Saint Petersburg. San Francisco is bigger than Saint Petersburg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Francisco is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg is more popular for its resorts and beaches. San Francisco is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Saint Petersburg different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit San Francisco from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is very good for theatre. However, Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

San Francisco has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco 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 Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

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.

The beaches at San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is terrific for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or San Francisco?

San Francisco is terrific for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in San Francisco. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco 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 Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 Francisco Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and San Francisco are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

San Francisco is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

San Francisco is very popular with students. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of San Francisco can take you anywhere. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Petersburg or San Francisco?

Both Saint Petersburg and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Francisco than Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Francisco that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 Francisco.

One day in Saint Petersburg or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed destination of Saint Petersburg. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or San Francisco?

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

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both San Francisco and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and San Francisco. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as San Francisco. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

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

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Saint Petersburg