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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Seattle? 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Saint Petersburg Prices
    Russia Prices
    Seattle Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $86
    Seattle $242

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $86, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $40
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $80
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Seattle? 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 Seattle


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: Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $8.14
    Seattle $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.50

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Seattle HTL-APT (SEA): $143
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $172
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $132
  • SEA Airport Private Transfer to Seattle City|Hotels: $37
  • SEA Airport Private Transfer to Seattle City|Hotels: $140
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $112
  • Seattle to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Seattle - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Seattle Roundtrip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer: $150
  • Seattle Airport Transfer Arrival & Departures (outer city): $135
  • Seattle Airport Transfer – Private SUV or Sprinter Van Service: $45
  • Seattle Airport (SEA): Private Transfer to/from Downtown: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 $35
    Seattle $88
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $5.14

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Bite-Sized Seattle History & Food Tour: $26
  • Meet Me at the Market Food Tour: $44
  • Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $71
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $72
  • Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $73
  • Japanese Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Seattle Pike Market Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours: $75
  • Plant Based in Pike Place Food Tour (GF available): $79
  • Chef Food Tour of Seattle Space Needle and Seattle Center: $85
  • Festive Flavors of Pike Place Market Holiday Food Tour: $110
  • Pike Place Market Gourmet Food Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $20
    Seattle $16

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Guided Boat Tour in Gig Harbor and Narrows Bridges: $55
  • Leavenworth Exclusive Tour from Seattle: $195
  • 2 Hour Sound Tour: $118
  • Bainbridge Island Discovery Tour: $137
  • Bainbridge Island Serenity Forest Hike & Cultural Landmarks Tour: $235
  • Bald Eagles Nesting Area Tour at Skagit River: $135
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
  • Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
  • Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
  • Brunch Cruise with Buffet in Washington: $98
  • Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites: $140
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Ticket: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $11
    Seattle $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Seattle Bar Crawl Belltown Bar Blitz: $15
  • Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $45
  • Diverse Wine Tasting Experience Near Pike Place Market: $75
  • Diverse Wine Tasting Experience with Bites: $75
  • Woodinville Guided Wine Tour with Optional Tastings: $109
  • Bainbridge Island Discovery and Wine Tour: $159
  • All-inclusive Wine Tasting and Lunch Experience: $249
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $344


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Seattle?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Seattle. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Seattle. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Seattle. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Seattle. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)