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

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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Tokyo?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

Which city is cheaper, Tokyo or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $62, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $147. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Petersburg and Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $35
    Tokyo $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $70
    Tokyo $138
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices and Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.14
    Tokyo $18
Typical Local Transportation prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Petersburg

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

  • St Petersburg Airport Transfers : St Petersburg to Airport LED in Luxury Car: $103
  • St Petersburg Airport Transfers : St Petersburg to Airport LED in Luxury Van: $89
  • St Petersburg Departure Private Transfers from St Petersburg City to Airport LED: $84
  • Departure Private Transfer St Petersburg City to Pulkovo Airport LED - LuxuryCar: $80
  • St Petersburg Transfer from city hotels or Cruise port to Pulkovo Airport (LED): $68
  • St Petersburg Airport Transfers : St Petersburg to Airport LED by Business Car: $63
  • Departure Private Transfer St. Petersburg to Pulkovo Airport LED by Business Car: $61
  • Departure Private Transfer St Petersburg City to Pulkovo Airport LED - LuxuryVan: $39
  • Private Transfer from St. Petersburg City Center to Peterhof Palace: $37
  • Private Transfer from Peterhof Palace to St. Petersburg City Center: $36
  • St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED) to hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • St. Petersburg to St.Petersburg Pulkovo Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $36

Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:


  • Metro from Airport
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $230
  • Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Yokohama Port to Tokyo Hotels: $133
  • Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port: $133
  • Private Transfers from Tokyo City, Yokohama or Port: $211
  • Private Transfer to/from Narita Itl. Airport (NRT): $187
  • Haneda Airport Private Transfer: $114
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $141
  • Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $80
  • Tokyo hotel/address to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Narita Airport (NRT): $261
  • Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Haneda Airport (HND): $194
  • Tokyo Disneyland Shared Transfer : from Tokyo to Disneyland (One Way): $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $35
Typical Food prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Petersburg

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

  • Enjoy Russian Delicacies in St Petersburg: Cooking Demo and Meal with a Local: $80
  • Private Dining: Russian dinner in a traditional St. Petersburg apartment: $91
  • Cooking Class and a Dinner with a Local Family (8 people max): $92
  • Off-the-tourist Path Food Tour: $103
  • Local Market Tour and Cooking Demo with a Homemade Russian Meal in St Petersburg: $107
  • Borscht and cabbage pie cooking class and dinner for small private groups: $109
  • FOOD TOUR. St.Petersburg: $150
  • Private Cooking Class: Learn the secrets of Borsch and Beef Stroganoff: $166
  • Private Cooking Class: Russian Blini with Red Caviar and Shchi soup: $179
  • Private Cooking Class: Russian Shchi soup and Blini with Red Caviar: $187
  • Private Cooking Class: Hands-on Siberian Pelmeni Making Workshop: $188
  • Private Cooking Class: Siberian Pelmeni, Stolichny salad and Borsch: $212

Typical Food prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.93
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.93
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • 1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide: $26
  • Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi: $78
  • Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street: $83
  • West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour: $95
  • Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo: $108
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $120
  • Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure: $129
  • Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo: $135
  • Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku: $136
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa: $142
  • Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes: $174
  • 3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Tokyo $65

Tours and Activities in Saint Petersburg

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

  • 1-Day Visa-Free Tour in St Petersburg with Faberge Collection: $265
  • 1-day private Visa-Free tour in St Petersburg with Peterhof: $257
  • 1.5-Hours Saint Petersburg's Metro Tour Hidden Treasures: $25
  • 2-Day Small-Group Visa-Free Tour - Top Highlights of St Petersburg: $20
  • 3 Hour Photo Shoot Tours St. Petersburg, Russia: $564
  • Basic 2-day tour in St Petersburg for cruise passengers: $425
  • Catherine Palace and Park: Private tour to Tsarskoe Selo: $120
  • Classic 2 Day Tour of St Petersburg Russia.No hidden costs.9 years of experience: $349
  • Daily Canon Shot at Peter and Paul Fortress + Museum of Revolution Private Tour: $162
  • Essential 2-Day Visa-Free Tour for Cruise Ships in St Petersburg: $465
  • Evening River and Canal Cruise Visas Included: $86
  • Guided Tour Peter and Paul Fortress, Cathedral and Prison: $56

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • Akihabara: Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour: $67
  • Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern - Tokyo History Experience: $83
  • Christmas In Private Experience With A City Host: $83
  • Customize your 8-hours private tour with a local guide Tokyo: $81
  • Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group: $8,972
  • Eat Like A Local - Sushi Experience: $146
  • Explore Japan Tour: 20-day Small Group: $12,049
  • Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour: $993
  • Geisha Encounter: Cultural Experience at Chaya in Tokyo: $78
  • Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group: $5,639
  • Intro to Japan Tour: 8-day Small Group: $4,357
  • Introduction To Tokyo & Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Local: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.49
    Tokyo $30

Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.44

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Petersburg is in Europe and Tokyo is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Saint Petersburg.


When is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Tokyo. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July are around 18°C (64°F), and Tokyo is about 26°C (78°F).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Tokyo. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Tokyo. Temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Tokyo stays around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Tokyo. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Tokyo in the winter. The temperature in Saint Petersburg is usually -8°C (18°F) in January, and Tokyo stays around 5°C (42°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Tokyo during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April are around 4°C (40°F), and Tokyo is about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)


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Saint Petersburg vs. Tokyo Travel Comparison

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