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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Split?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Split? 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Split is $120. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Split $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Split $160
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Split

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Split? 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 Split


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: Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.38
    Split $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

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

  • Zagreb to Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,032
  • Transfer from Split to Zagreb with Entry Ticket to Plitvice Lakes: $186
  • Transfer Split airport to Split: $66
  • Transfer Split airport to Makarska: $150
  • Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Entry Tickets: $184
  • Private Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Stop: $746
  • Private Transfer to Krka with Driver & Optional Guide: $433
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport to Split: $65
  • Diocletian's Palace & Trogir Old Town with Transfer: $15
  • Airport to Hvar Town Speedboat Transfer: $543
  • Split/Trogir to Zagreb: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,032
  • Split to Zagreb Group Transfer with Plitvice Lakes guided tour: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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 $19
    Split $26
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

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

  • Small Group Food Tour: $38
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $69
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $103
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $133
  • Split Cooking Class: $171
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $242

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Split $4.07

Tours and Activities in Split

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

  • Blue cave and Hvar - 5 Islands speedboat tour from Split: $171
  • History tour: $33
  • SPLIT-"Emperor's City for History Lovers"/BOUTIQUE Walking Tour+Cellars Museum: $30
  • SPLIT-"Emperor's City for History Lovers"/PRIVATE Walking Tour+Cellars Museum : $180
  • "Blue Lagoon" Half day Chill out tour from Split: $76
  • "Not Today" - Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour: $83
  • 2 Day Pass with Sightseeing Bus: $33
  • 2 Hours Split Walking tour with free food tasting: $34
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $63
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $88
  • 2-hours Split Segway Tour: $88
  • 3-Hour Via-Ferrata Adventure in Fortica Fortress: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.81
    Split $8.73

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

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

  • Krka & Sibenik Tour with Boat Ride, Swimming or Wine Tasting: $23
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $25
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $30
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $39
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $40
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $49
  • Small group Walking Tour and Wine Tasting: $60
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Vineyard Experience: Wine Tasting near Split: $77
  • Blue Lagoon & Wine tasting - 3 islands tour: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Split?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

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

Saint Petersburg is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Split. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Split. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Split. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Split. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split 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 Split. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Split. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Split. Additionally, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Split. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Split. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)