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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is $70. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Sarajevo $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo


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: Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Sarajevo $7.02
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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

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


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer tour Sarajevo-Dubrovnik: $163
  • Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Neum: $176
  • Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $287
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Kotor+Herzegovina tour: $126
  • Split Private Transfer Service: $298
  • Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $320
  • Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $298
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
  • Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $203
  • Sarajevo to/from Zagreb Transfer Day Tour (North-central Bosnia): $152
  • Sarajevo to/from Dubrovnik Transfer Tour via Mostar & Herzegovina: $141

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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
    Sarajevo $31
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 Sarajevo

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


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Cooking class: Traditional Bosnian Pie: $60
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Sarajevo $12

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $7.64

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Beautiful National Park Sutjeska - Full day Tour: $65
  • Siege of Sarajevo War Tour, 4-Hour Guided European Playground of Death: $35
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Sarajevo and Mostar: $163
  • 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
  • 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $43
  • 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $103
  • Amazing Prokoško jezero - Full day Tour: $81
  • Assassination Tour: $27
  • BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $64
  • Best of Sarajevo - Full Day All Inclusive Tour: $76
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Half-Day Tour from Sarajevo: $80
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Sarajevo $7.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

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

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Sarajevo, we can see that Sarajevo 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 Europe, 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 Sarajevo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Sarajevo?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Sarajevo. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Sarajevo. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)