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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Siena?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Siena? 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 Siena?

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.

Siena

Located in Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city that is about 70 kilometers south of Florence. One of its most famous events is the horse race, Il Palio, which occurs twice a year during the summer. The race puts a lot of emphasis on neighborhood pride and competition. It is a local tradition that is of great importance to the residence, so it is not an event that is held specifically for tourists. It dates back to the Medieval times and is associated with the area's religion, pageantry and rivalry. In addition to the city's strong neighborhood pride, rich history, and impressive architecture, Siena was also the home of many famous artists including Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena 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 Siena is $142. 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 Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Siena $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Siena $148
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Siena? 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 Siena


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: Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Siena $21
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 Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $245
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
  • Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,433
  • Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,305
  • Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,059
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11
  • Private transfer from Siena to Florence: $202
  • Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,118
  • From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $348
  • Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $148

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena 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
    Siena $54
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

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

  • Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $60
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $95
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $98
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $102
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $123
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $130
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $131
  • 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $131
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $138
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $138
  • Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $141

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Siena $4.02

Tours and Activities in Siena

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

  • Siena tour: Piazza del Campo & Duomo exploration: $125
  • Walking Tour of Siena with food & Chianti wine: $71
  • “Secret of Siena” City E-bike tour: $134
  • 2 hour Siena Private Guided Walking Tour : $273
  • 4-Hour Guided Bike Tour for Small Groups in Chianti: $180
  • 500 Vintage Tour and Chianti Roads from Siena: $160
  • 500 Vintage Tour: Chianti Roads Experience with Lunch from Florence: $164
  • Afternoon Semi Private Chianti tour from Siena: $88
  • Badesse: Vespa & Chianti Tour in the Tuscan Hills: $138
  • Brunello di Montalcino wine experience with a sommelier : $262
  • Chianti Classico E-Bike Tour: $284
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Siena $2.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $27
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $35
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $52
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $60
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $63
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $64
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $64
  • Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $75
  • Organic Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena: $80


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Siena?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Siena, 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 Siena?

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 Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Siena. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. 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 Siena. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Siena 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Siena. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Siena. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Siena 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Siena. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Siena. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Siena. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Siena 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Siena and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Siena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)