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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sorrento? 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a popular travel destination in Campania, Italy. The city has nice architecture and many shops and outdoor cafes you can enjoy. Its access via the Circumvesuviana rail system make it a great base for visiting Pompeii and Ercolano.

The city has a Mediterranean climate that has mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The pleasant climate make it a popular destination year around, although you can expect crowds during the peak summer months.

You'll find no shortage of hotels and hostels in town as the city's economy is very much dependent on tourism. Hostels are generally clean and comfortable, but they may be more expensive than you expect. If you travel during the low season you're likely to save some money even if the weather isn't as nice. Mid range hotel rooms are usually smaller than their American counterparts, but they are clean and nice and often come with a complimentary breakfast. The same can generally be said for more expensive hotels.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sorrento 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 Sorrento is $150. 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 Sorrento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Sorrento $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Sorrento $192
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Sorrento

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Sorrento? 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 Sorrento


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: Sorrento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Sorrento $8.10
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 Sorrento

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Sorrento are as follows:


  • Local Bus Ticket
    $4.50
  • Ferry to Capri (Round Trip)
    $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sorrento

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sorrento:

  • transfer from napoli to sorrento or back: $102
  • Transfers From Naples Airport Or Train Station To Sorrento: $125
  • Transfer from Sorrento to Naples: $127
  • Transfer from Naples airport or station to Nerano (Massalubrense): $131
  • Transfer Sorrento to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Sorrento - Naples: $180
  • Transfer Naples to Sorrento with stop to visit Pompeii ruins: $175
  • Transfer Naples airport/station to Sorrento with stop in Pompeii: $240
  • Transfer to Naples, Airport, Train Station. Port..: $102
  • Transfer to Naples with Herculaneum Guided Tour: $404
  • Transfer to Naples with Guided Tour of Pompeii: $404
  • Train Transfer from/to Pompei: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Sorrento?

Prices for flights to both Sorrento 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
    Sorrento $41
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 Sorrento

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sorrento:


  • Pizza
    $6.43
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $46
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sorrento

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

  • Private Virtual Cooking Class from Sorrento : $33
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $48
  • Sorrento Art & Food Tour on Breathless 'Views Village: $50
  • Pizza Making Class at Tirabusciò Cooking School: $64
  • Pizza Making Class: $64
  • Sorrento Pizza Making: $65
  • Pizza Making Course: $70
  • Dinner in Sorrento with Love, Laugh and Spaghetti: $70
  • Pizza School Experience from Sorrento: $71
  • Farm Visit with Pizza Lesson, Wine, and Limoncello: $75
  • Pizza School with Wine and Limoncello Tasting in a Local Farm: $76
  • Private Cooking Class in Sant'Agnello: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Sorrento $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sorrento

Here are a few typical costs in Sorrento for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Beach
    $11
  • Bike Rental (24 Hours)
    $21
  • Scuba Diving (Single Dive)
    $48
  • Blue Mini Cruise
    $24

Tours and Activities in Sorrento

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

  • All inclusive Herculaneum Skip the Line Tour From Sorrento: $115
  • Positano, Amalfi and Ravello Small-Group Tour From Sorrento: $130
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Sorrento : $199
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour of Sorrento with Local Food Tasting: $39
  • 3 Hours Guided Boat Tour for Small Groups on the Island of Capri: $164
  • 3 hours Private Capri Boat Tour : $239
  • 8 Hour Tour of Capri and Anacapri: $66
  • AMALFI COAST FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR ON ALLEGRA21: $1,390
  • AMALFI COAST FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR ON SAVER HARD TOP: $2,299
  • Amalfi Boat Tour From Sorrento with Positano Trip: $152
  • Amalfi Coast Boat Tour: $206
  • Amalfi Coast Boat Tour From Sorrento: $166

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Sorrento $9.34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sorrento

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Sorrento are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Sorrento

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sorrento:

  • Walking Tour Wine Tasting and Typical Products in Sorrento Farm: $71
  • Campania wine tasting with traditional foods: $75
  • Sorrento Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $97
  • Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting : $98
  • Small Group Sorrento Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $104
  • From Mount Vesuvius Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting: $107
  • Wine Tasting Including Lunch: $108
  • Lemon, Olive Oil and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $109
  • From Full-Day Pompeii & Wine Tasting Tour: $136
  • Full Day Small Group Pompeii Tour from Sorrento with Local Wine Tasting: $139
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Wine tasting + Easy lunch: $185
  • Guided Tour of Pompei and Wine Tasting from Sorrento: $205


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Sorrento?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Sorrento 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Sorrento. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Sorrento 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Sorrento. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Sorrento 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Sorrento in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Sorrento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)