A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Petersburg vs. Vernon for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Vernon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Vernon is more popular for its hiking. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.


Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Saint Petersburg is an experience not to be missed. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Vernon is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Saint Petersburg is terrific for the beach. However, Vernon is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Vernon is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Vernon for the hiking trails. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Vernon both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Vernon offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.


Is Saint Petersburg or Vernon Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Vernon is a family-friendly coastal city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vernon Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Saint Petersburg is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Saint Petersburg and Vernon both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.


Is Saint Petersburg or Vernon a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Vernon

Saint Petersburg and Vernon are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

Vernon is generally not very walkable. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Vernon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Vernon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint Petersburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Vernon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Petersburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Vernon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Petersburg.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find museums and food around the relaxing destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing town of Vernon. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.


Five days in Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Saint Petersburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $49. 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 Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Vernon $4.81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Vernon $9.62
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Vernon? 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 Vernon


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Vernon -

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon 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 $84
    Vernon $43
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Vernon -

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Vernon $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Vernon, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg than you might in Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Vernon?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Vernon. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Vernon. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vernon can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Vernon. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)