A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Sun Valley for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Sun Valley can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Saint Petersburg and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Saint Petersburg and Sun Valley are both popular with visitors, Sun Valley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg is known for its museums and beaches. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Sun Valley is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also home to Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sun Valley and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is terrific for skiing. However, Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is among the world's best ski destinations. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Sun Valley.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Saint Petersburg and Sun Valley.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sun Valley. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sun Valley. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is terrific for its beaches. However, Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sun Valley for the hiking trails. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Sun Valley both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Sun Valley offers some nice shopping areas. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is one of the most popular family destinations. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Sun Valley has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Sun Valley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors to Sun Valley can move around easily with public transportation. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is terrific for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Sun Valley is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

Both Saint Petersburg and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

Families should spend more time in Sun Valley than Saint Petersburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sun Valley, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sun Valley than Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sun Valley that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley than Saint Petersburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sun Valley.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy town of Sun Valley. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sun Valley is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sun Valley is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the skiing. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Sun Valley, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Sun Valley?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Sun Valley, 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.