A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Saint Petersburg vs. Tampa for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Tampa?

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 Tampa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Saint Petersburg and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Tampa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Tampa. While Tampa is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and big city activities. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Petersburg is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Petersburg is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Saint Petersburg or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Saint Petersburg or Tampa Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Tampa Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. 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.

Tampa is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Tampa?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint Petersburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Tampa Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Tampa.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Tampa is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Saint Petersburg or Tampa Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Saint Petersburg is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Saint Petersburg or Tampa a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg and Tampa are respectable when it comes to walkability.

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

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Tampa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Tampa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Tampa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Tampa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Tampa 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 Saint Petersburg.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Tampa?

In Saint Petersburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food around the laid-back destination of Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food around the laid-back city of Tampa. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Tampa?

Saint Petersburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Tampa is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Tampa?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Tampa is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Tampa, 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 Tampa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Tampa?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Tampa, 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 Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Tampa. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Tampa fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tampa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Tampa. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Tampa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Tampa. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Tampa averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tampa in the Spring?

Both Tampa and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tampa in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Tampa. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Tampa and Saint Petersburg