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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Venice?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Venice? 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 Venice?

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.

Venice

The canals of Venice are one of the most popular and emulated destinations in the world. In it's hay day, Venice was at the center of politics, exploration, arts and architecture. Today that history is still very much alive and well. The city is unlike any other in the world. The best way to immerse yourself in Venice is to get yourself lost in the alleyways. It's actually quite easy to do and you'll find yourself stumbling into the most interesting places, hidden away from the crowds of Piazzo San Marco.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Venice or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $64, while the average daily cost in Venice is $249. 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 Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Venice $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Venice $260
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Venice

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Venice? 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 Venice


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: Venice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.38
    Venice $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    $17
  • Vaporetto Ride
    $7.08
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    $20
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

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

  • Verona Airport (VRN): One Way Transfer to Venice Cruise Port: $380
  • VeniceAirport:RoundTrip Private Transfer to Venice+WaterTaxi: $755
  • Water Taxi Transfer Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta: $35
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port Round-Trip Transfer: $326
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port 1-Way Private Transfer: $157
  • Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Marco Polo Airport: $191
  • Transfer from Airport to Trieste Cruise Terminal: $804
  • Shared Water Taxi Transfer to Marco Polo Airport: $38
  • Private Transfer from Train Station by Water Taxi: $295
  • Private Boat Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Hotel: $347
  • One-Way Transfer to Florence Airport or Hotel: $1,037
  • Marco Polo Airport to Cortina D’Ampezzo Transfer: $834

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice 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 $19
    Venice $70
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.67

Typical Food Prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $4.35
  • Gelato
    $6.53
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    $8.60
  • Expresso
    $2.12
  • Slice of Pizza
    $2.43
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Venice with Set Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $48
  • Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $48
  • Small Group Venice Street Food Tour with Expert Local Guide: $48
  • Secret Street Food Tour of Venice in 2,5 hours: $48
  • Eating Venice Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $48
  • Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit: $48
  • Street Food Tour of Venice in 2.5 hours: $48
  • Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties: $49
  • Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $52
  • Venetian Dinner: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Venice $110

Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    $16
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    $8.71
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    $87
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    $17
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    $3.27
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    $8.71

Tours and Activities in Venice

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.

  • Doge's Palace and Correr Museum Skip the Line Private Tour: $286
  • Friendinvenice Early Morning Venice Private Tour: $287
  • From Vicenza Private Tour: $284
  • Peggy Guggenheim collection Venice private tour: $88
  • Private Grand Canal 1-Hour Boat Tour: $76
  • Small-group Saint Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-line Tour: $49
  • Venice Saint Mark's Basilica and gondola tour in the afternoon: $83
  • Venice Top-Attractions Walking Tour for Kids & Families & Child-Friendly Guide: $241
  • Private 2-Hour Doge's Palace Tour: $219
  •  Friendinvenice, how to experience the true Venice, private tour: $127
  • 2 Hour Night Kayak Tour in Venice, premium experience with sunset: $155
  • 2 Hour Venice Canal Kayak Tour - Premium experience by day: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.81
    Venice $27

Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    $5.66
  • Beer
    $5.33

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

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

  • Venice Food and Wine Tasting Tour with a Local Guide: $8.84
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $28
  • Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $28
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $38
  • Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $59
  • Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $73
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $75
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $83
  • Authentic Neighborhood Cicchetti Food & Wine Tour: $97
  • Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice: $99
  • Experience Venice with a Local Sommelier: Cicchetti & Wine Tour: $105
  • A Venetian Evening - Wine Tasting & Tapas tour with a Local guide: $109


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Venice?

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

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Venice. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Venice. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Venice 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Venice. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Venice. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Venice. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Venice. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Venice 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Venice. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Venice 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Venice. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Venice 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Venice and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Venice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (38°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)