A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Petersburg vs. Santiago de Compostela for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is $97. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Santiago de Compostela $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Santiago de Compostela $80
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Santiago de Compostela


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: Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Santiago de Compostela $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
  • Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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 $18
    Santiago de Compostela $21
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    $3.75
  • Ice Cream
    $2.14
  • Cookie
    $1.07
  • Kebab
    $7.77
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    $29
  • Tuna Empanada
    $3.75
  • Fruit Shake
    $3.75
  • Crepe
    $4.29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Santiago de Compostela $41

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 5-day Private Tour Northern Spain (from Bilbao or Santiago): $5,294
  • Christmas Enchantment: Walking Tour in Compostela: $459
  • Complete Santiago Tour with tickets- Full experience in 4H: $48
  • Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $59
  • Exploration of Compostela Walking Tour for Families: $352
  • Exploring Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour for Couples: $352
  • Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago: $53
  • From Santiago: Finisterre Lighthouse Sunset Tour: $36
  • From Santiago: Fuciño do Porco Hiking Tour: $80
  • From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour: $59
  • From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip: $61
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from A Coruña- Cruisers Only: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Santiago de Compostela $24

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    $2.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Santiago de Compostela?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Santiago de Compostela. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Santiago de Compostela. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)