Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Saint Petersburg or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or San Juan? 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 San Juan?
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.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $64San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $37San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $74San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or San Juan? 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: San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.42San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
-
Metro Passes$1.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
- San Juan One-way Transfer: $30
- San Juan Luxury Private Round-Trip Transfer: SJU Airport - Cruise Pier - Hotel : $50
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
- Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla Y Luxury SUV, Select Zone: $77
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla S Lux Sedan, Select Zone: $79
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 daySaint Petersburg $19San Juan $36
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$4.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Tour$40
-
Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
-
1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arenales Caves, Waterfall & River Swimming Adventure: $140
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.86San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Petersburg is in Europe and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or San Juan?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and San Juan, 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 Juan?
Saint Petersburg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan 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 San Juan during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than San Juan. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Saint Petersburg is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than San Juan. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.