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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Utrecht?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Utrecht? 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 Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht

Utrecht is both a province and a city in the Netherlands. The city is a unique university city with a lively atmosphere. Imagine Amsterdam but smaller, and with fewer tourists. Utrecht has the same underlying historical/magical feel as Amsterdam, but is full of locals rather than crowds of tourists. It has a population of about 300,000 making it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Utrecht 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 Utrecht is $202. 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 Utrecht in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Utrecht $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Utrecht $228
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Utrecht

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Utrecht? 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 Utrecht


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: Utrecht Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Utrecht $24
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 Utrecht

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:

  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Rotterdam: $15
  • Private taxi transfer from Utrecht to Amsterdam: $101
  • Private transfer from Utrecht to AMS Schiphol Airport: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Utrecht?

Prices for flights to both Utrecht 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
    Utrecht $62
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 Utrecht

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Utrecht.

  • City Boat Tour & Balkan Restaurant Lunch OR Dinner: $31
  • Vegan Food Tour like a local. Eat, walk, enjoy.: $70
  • Vegan Food Tour by bike in get of the beaten track! : $71
  • Vegan Food Tour like a Local: eat, walk, enjoy Utrecht: $71
  • Guided Food Tour: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Utrecht $47

Tours and Activities in Utrecht

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Utrecht are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Utrecht Family Walking Tour: $163
  • Captivating Utrecht Family Walking Tour: $321
  • Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht: $8.99
  • Christmas Joy in Utrecht Walking Tour: $448
  • Christmas Joy in Utrecht Walking Tour: $210
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $11
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $13
  • Discover Utrecht with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • Discover Utrecht’s Zocherpark in this Outside Escape game tour!: $27
  • Discover Utrecht’s city center in this Outside Escape game tour!: $22
  • Explore Gems of Utrecht Walking Tour for Couples: $341
  • Explore Gems of Utrecht Walking Tour for Couples: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Utrecht $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Utrecht

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Utrecht:

  • Utrecht Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Utrecht Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Utrecht?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Utrecht. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Utrecht in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Utrecht. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Utrecht. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Utrecht 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Utrecht in the Autumn?

Both Utrecht and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Utrecht in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Utrecht during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Utrecht 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Utrecht in the Winter?

Both Utrecht and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Utrecht in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Utrecht can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Utrecht. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Utrecht averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Utrecht. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Utrecht. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Utrecht 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Utrecht in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Utrecht. Also, most visitors come to Utrecht for the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Utrecht 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Utrecht
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)