Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Tokyo $152
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.
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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Tokyo $17
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$1.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Private airport transfer]Haneda Airport (HND)⇔Tokyo City: $155
- Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $155
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $339
- Transfer in private vehicle from Tokyo Narita Airport to City Center: $90
- Transfer in private vehicle from Tokyo City Center to Narita Airport: $81
- Tokyo:Haneda Airport (HND) Private One-Way Transfer to Tokyo: $142
- Private transfer to/from Yokohama Osanbashi Port: $163
- Private Transfer from/to Tokyo Narita Airport: $234
- Private Transfer from/to Tokyo Haneda Airport: $140
- Private Transfer from Haneda Airport for Arrivals: $75
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Haneda Airport: $94
- Private Departure Transfers to Narita Airport: $157
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
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Food Meals for one daySaint Petersburg $18Tokyo $37
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$4.61
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $60
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $61
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $66
- Asakusa: Sustainable Vegetable Temari Sushi Cooking Class: $72
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $73
- Retro Food Tour in Yanaka: $76
- Sushi roll and side dish cooking experience: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Tokyo $68
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- 4 Hours Private Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $132
- Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $23
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $99
- Feel the History Walking Tour Starting from Imperial Palace: $51
- Walking Tour to Temple and Izakaya from the River: $116
- “Your name.” Going on an electric bicycle <Roppongi, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku> A 6-hour tour of a sacred place. (With support car): $136
- *Starting / Ending at Your Hotel* 3hr Private E-bike Tour Tokyo: $138
- 1 Day Bus Tour To Mitsumine Shrine From Shinjuku: $89
- 1 Day Private Tour Mt.Fuji & Hakone English Speaking Driver: $522
- 1 Day Tokyo Charter Private Tour with English Driver: $323
- 1 Day Tokyo Private Charter Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $501
- 1 Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Private Wagon: $490
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $24
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- TOKYO | Temple, Shrine, Sake Bar Crawling: $63
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $85
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $91
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $104
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $106
- 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $167
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $231
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.
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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Tokyo, 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 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 average around 18°C (64°F), and Tokyo averages at 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint 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. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Tokyo fluctuates 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint 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 daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint 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 average around 4°C (40°F), and Tokyo averages at 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint 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) |
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.