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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Stockholm?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Stockholm? 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 Stockholm?

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.

Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is made up of over 14 islands that are connected by countless bridges. Water is an integral part of the city, but so are parks and gardens. The city is covered in strategically positioned green space. Together, the water and parkland cover more than half of the city's area, giving this bustling city a breath of fresh air.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Stockholm 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 Stockholm is $167. 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 Stockholm in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Stockholm? 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 Stockholm


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: Stockholm Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Stockholm $20
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 Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Train Transfer between City and Arlanda Airport: $21
  • Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
  • Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) to Stockholm City - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm city centre to Skavsta Airport: $290
  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to Arlanda airport: $157
  • Stockholm Port to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Stockholm Hotels to Nynashamn Cruise Port Private Transfer: $38
  • Stockholm Departure Private Transfer to Arlanda ARN Airport by Business Car: $131
  • Stockholm City to Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) - Departure Private Transfer: $79
  • Stockholm City Departure Private Transfer to Stockholm Port by Luxury Van: $131
  • Stockholm City Departure Private Transfer to Stockholm Port by Luxury Car: $141

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Stockholm?

Prices for flights to both Stockholm 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
    Stockholm $36
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 Stockholm

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


  • Breakfast
    $9.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

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

  • Food Tour: $101
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $103
  • From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $133
  • Stockholm Private Food Tour with a Local: Tastiest Treats 100% Personalized: $214

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Stockholm $25

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

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

  • Stockholm Fire and Ice Tour! Dive into Swedish lifestyle! Bike and Sauna: $235
  • 1-Day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour: $183
  • 1-day 7h Royal Palace and Castle Tour from Stockholm: $348
  • 2 Hour Stockholm Metro Tour : $31
  • 2-Hour Free Walking Tour in Stockholm: $0.92
  • 2-day kayaking adventure around Vaxholm in Stockholm Archipelago - self guided: $253
  • 3 Hours Guided Shopping Tour in Stockholm Thrifting Stores: $19
  • 3-Hour Private Stockholm Photography Tour of Famous Landmarks : $171
  • 3-day kayaking adventure around Vaxholm in Stockholm Archipelago - self guided: $299
  • 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Stockholm: $63
  • ABBA Museum Fast-Track Tickets, Stockholm Pop Culture Tour: $280
  • Beautiful Stockholm Small Group Walking Tour: $72

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Stockholm $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

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

  • Original Stockholm Pub Crawl: $32
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $279
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $285


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Stockholm?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Stockholm, 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 Stockholm?

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 Stockholm in the Summer?

Both Stockholm and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Stockholm in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Stockholm, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Stockholm. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Stockholm 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Stockholm in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Stockholm. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Stockholm averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Stockholm during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Stockholm 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Stockholm in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Stockholm in the winter. The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Stockholm. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Stockholm. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Stockholm -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Stockholm in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. Saint Petersburg is cooler than Stockholm in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Stockholm. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Stockholm 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Stockholm
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -3°C (27°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -1°C (31°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)