Which place is cheaper, Tbilisi or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Tbilisi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tbilisi? 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 Tbilisi?
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.
Tbilisi
Tbilisi is the capital of the country of Georgia. Its cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the "Mother of Georgia." Tbilisi’s eternal charms of a dramatic setting in the deep valley of the swift Mtkvari River, picturesque architecture, an ever-lively arts and cultural scene, and the welcoming Georgian lifestyle have been added a whole new 21st-century dimension of inviting cafes and restaurants serving ever better food, up-to-date lodgings from backpacker hostels to international five-stars, interesting bars and clubs, spruced-up museums, galleries, parks, plazas and whole streets, modernized transport and a sprinkling of eye-catching contemporary architecture. The mix of modern and ancient elements makes Tbilisi the beating heart of the South Caucasus and it is well worth a visit.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $67Tbilisi $28
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $67, while the average daily cost in Tbilisi is $28. 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 Tbilisi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $38Tbilisi $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $76Tbilisi $24
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Tbilisi
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Tbilisi? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.74Tbilisi $5.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi
Also for Tbilisi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers from Tbilisi to skiing resort Bakuriani: $64
- TransferTbilisi to MartviliCanyon & Drop off to Batumi VAN: $435
- Transfer: Tbilisi - Batumi: $79
- Transfer to Ski resort Bakuriani: $181
- Transfer from airport to any place in Tbilisi: $33
- Transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi: $78
- Transfer from Tbilisi to Yerevan whith tour.: $190
- Transfer from Tbilisi to MartviliCanyon & Drop off to Batumi: $348
- Transfer from Tbilisi airport with luxury BMW car: $74
- Transfer from Tbilisi airport to hotel and from hotel to airport : $203
- Transfer airport Tbilisi - Gudauri: $80
- Transfer Airport Tbilisi to Tbilisi : $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Tbilisi?
Prices for flights to both Tbilisi 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint Petersburg $19Tbilisi $7.76
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tbilisi
For Tbilisi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class in Tbilisi: $24
- Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri: $25
- Georgian traditional dumplings "Khinkali" cooking master class!!: $34
- Best of Tbilisi wine and food tour with local guide: $35
- Adjarian Khachapuri Making Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Cooking Class with a Local Family: $49
- Tbilisi Food Tour in a Local Family: $49
- Discovery more Tbilisi evening wine tasting food tour: $65
- Food Tour with 9 Tastings and Wine: $70
- Authentic Georgian Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Mother-Daughter Duo in Tbilisi: $71
- Tbilisi Street Food Tour (All-inclusive): $80
- Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $19Tbilisi $14
Tours and Activities in Tbilisi
For Tbilisi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Borjomi city tour,Тур по Городу Боржоми: $70
- Mtskheta One Day Tour: $58
- Private Adorable City Tour of Tbilisi: $34
- 'Uplistsikhe'-Borjomi 1 Day Tour: $50
- "Ancient Georgia: Mtskheta, Gori, and Uplistsikhe Tour": $22
- "Discover A Walking Tour Through Old Town Charm": $22
- "Tbilisi to Borjomi Rabati Vardzia:Full-Day GuidedGroupTour: $30
- 002 | Kakheti Wine Region Full Day Tour -Group: $25
- 1 Day Horse Riding Adventure in Borjomi Mountains: $150
- 1 Day Kazbegi Tour: $26
- 1 Day Tour In Shiny Mountains of Kazbegi: $161
- 1 Day Tour in Dashbashi Canyon: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $10Tbilisi $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Tbilisi
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tbilisi:
- Full Day Wine Tour Bodbe , Sighnaghi , Telavi: $14
- Guided Walking Tour of Old Tbilisi with Free Wine Tasting: $14
- One-day tour of Kakheti from Tbilisi, free wine tasting: $14
- From Kakheti - Sighnaghi & 7Wine Tasting GuidedTour: $15
- Tbilisi Walking Tour with Cable Cars, Wine Tasting and Traditional Bakery: $15
- From Kakheti Free Wine Tasting and Cultural Tour: $15
- Kakheti Day Group Tour: Free Wine Tasting: $15
- Wine Tasting Feel the Difference of Qvevri or Classical Wine: $16
- From Kakheti Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $17
- From Tbilisi to Bodbe Kakheti Signaghi & Wine Tasting Free: $17
- Tbilisi.First impression of Tbilisi-evening walking,wine tasting: $19
- Tbilisi Walking Tour Including Wine Tasting Cable Car and Bakery: $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Tbilisi, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Tbilisi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tbilisi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tbilisi 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg than you might in Tbilisi.
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 Tbilisi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Tbilisi?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tbilisi. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Tbilisi, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.