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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Trieste?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Trieste? 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 Trieste?

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.

Trieste

Located on the northeast Italian coast next to the Adriatic Sea, Trieste is a city characterized by its European charm, ancient architecture, and striking sea views. Its art, music, history, and culture also take some influence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, boasting many Slavic traditions and empire-era architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Trieste or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Trieste is $108. 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 Trieste in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Trieste $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Trieste $118
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Trieste

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Trieste? 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 Trieste


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: Trieste Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Trieste $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

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

  • Venice Airport(VCE):1-Way Transfer to Trieste or Cruise Port: $706
  • Rome & Cruise Port Roundtrip Private Transfer: $5,067
  • Cruise Port to Milan Roundtrip Private Transfer: $4,014
  • Trieste or port to Murano + water taxi - Arrival Private Transfer: $219
  • Trieste or Port to Burano Water Taxi Arrival Private Transfer: $164
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice, piazzale Roma Arrival Transfer: $120
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice with Water Taxi Arrival Transfer: $159
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice Airport Departure Transfer: $120
  • Trieste city to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Trieste city or Cruise Port to Venice, piazzale Roma -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $218
  • Trieste city or Cruise Port to Venice+water taxi Arrival Transfer: $145
  • Trieste Port or City: 1-Way Transfer to Venice + water taxi: $1,027

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Trieste?

Prices for flights to both Trieste 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
    Trieste $33
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trieste

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

  • Cesarine: Small group Street food tour in Trieste: $97
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Trieste with show cooking: $115
  • Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia: $141
  • Trieste Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Trieste: $158
  • Private Mediterranean Fish Cooking Workshop with Irena: $180
  • 5-Course Food Tour with Electric Bikes: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Trieste $23

Tours and Activities in Trieste

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

  • The best of Izola walking tour: $98
  • 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
  • Amazing Private Tour Postojna and Predjama from Portoroz: $192
  • Deluxe Venice Shore Excursion from Trieste Cruise Port: $96
  • E-bike Vipava River Tour : $164
  • EXPRESS LITERATURE Trieste Letteraria: Guided walking tour and readings: $74
  • Experience Trieste: $164
  • Explore highlights of Trieste on a private 3-hour walking tour: $299
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Koper: $125
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Piran or Portoroz or Izola: $126
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Trieste: $133
  • Food & Wine -> Gourmet tour in Piran: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Trieste $8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Trieste

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Trieste:

  • Wine Tasting from Istria, Carso and Friuli terroirs: $37
  • Trip to Stanjel castle wine tasting and gourmet lunch 4 courses from Piran: $131
  • Castles & Wine Tour: $140
  • Collio: Cividale Del Friuli and Wine Tastings from Trieste: $148
  • Experience Slovenian Coast line with Wine Tasting from Trieste: $164
  • Koper & Wine tasting: $186
  • Wine Tour on the Coast: $268


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Trieste, we can see that Trieste is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Trieste would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Trieste 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 Trieste Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Trieste?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Trieste, 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 Trieste?

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 Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Trieste. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Trieste 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Trieste 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Trieste. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Trieste. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Trieste 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Trieste. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Trieste 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Trieste and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Trieste
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)