A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a affluent, scenic, and stunning coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Saint Petersburg and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Barbara than Saint Petersburg. While Saint Petersburg is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara.

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 Santa Barbara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Santa Barbara.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santa Barbara. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint Petersburg and Santa Barbara.

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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg and Santa Barbara are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. 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 in Santa Barbara are among the best in the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

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

Santa Barbara is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is terrific for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Santa Barbara is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Santa Barbara has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

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

Santa Barbara is very popular with students. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Santa Barbara offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

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

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the opulent destination of Santa Barbara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the wealthy coastal town of Santa Barbara. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled 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.

Santa Barbara is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Santa Barbara?

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.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

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

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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara?

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

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Santa Barbara. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Santa Barbara. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Saint Petersburg