Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver?
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.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $64Vancouver $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $142. 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 Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $37Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $74Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Vancouver? 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: Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.42Vancouver $12
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$1.36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.40
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.78
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yvr Airport to Whistler and Whistler to Yvr Airport transfers: $111
- White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver and Tofino: $248
- Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Nanaimo: $108
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $61
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $258
- Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
- Vancouver to Victoria, Coach Bus Transfer: $74
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
- Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
- Vancouver hotels to Canada Place Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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 $19Vancouver $31
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$4.69
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $94
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $100
- Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $100
- North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $138
- Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $142
- 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
- Evening Cruise with Dinner Buffet: $153
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $157
- Granville Island Uncorked Walking Food Tour: $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $219
- Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $145
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $192
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $234
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,413
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $456
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $583
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $334
- 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,413
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $710
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $837
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.86Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl ROUTE B: $18
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $88
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $138
- From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $139
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $165
- Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $166
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $167
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver 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 Vancouver is in North America, 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 Vancouver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vancouver 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 Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Vancouver?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vancouver. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?
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 Vancouver in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Vancouver.
In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Vancouver in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Vancouver.
Saint Petersburg is much colder than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Vancouver in the Winter?
Both Vancouver and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Vancouver in the Spring?
Both Vancouver and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 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.