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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Tromso?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tromso? 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso

The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Tromso, we can see that Tromso 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 Tromso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tromso 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 Tromso Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Tromso?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Tromso. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tromso this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tromso. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tromso in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Tromso. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tromso. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Tromso. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Tromso in the Spring?

Both Tromso and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Saint Petersburg