A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Virginia Beach for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches.

Saint Petersburg and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also well known for St. Pete Beach. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

Saint Petersburg is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

Saint Petersburg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Petersburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

The vibe at night is nice in both Saint Petersburg and Virginia Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Saint Petersburg and Virginia Beach.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.


Is Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

Saint Petersburg is terrific for the beache. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the beach.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Virginia Beach. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Virginia Beach is a very kid-friendly coastal city. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.


Is Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

Saint Petersburg is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

Saint Petersburg is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Virginia Beach

Saint Petersburg and Virginia Beach are reasonable 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

Both Saint Petersburg and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife around the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.


Five days in Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $126. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Virginia Beach $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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 $49
    Virginia Beach $30
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
    Virginia Beach $21

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Virginia Beach $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Virginia Beach, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

Both Virginia Beach and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Virginia Beach. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Virginia Beach. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine during these months.

Virginia Beach can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Virginia Beach during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Virginia Beach. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Virginia Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)