Which place is cheaper, Washington or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Washington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Washington? 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Washington? 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: Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Washington $47
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$1.34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer: $150
- Washington, DC: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
- Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $198
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA): Transfer to Washington: $173
- Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
- Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
- Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
- Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $135
- Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $63
- Washington Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in Washington HTL-APT (IAD),(DCA): $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $18Washington $38
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$4.61
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $60
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $67
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Dupont Circle Food Tour: $80
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $96
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $150
- Washington DC Christmas Eve Plated Dinner Cruise: $206
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Washington $24
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
- 1.5 Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour with Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: $40
- 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
- 2 Hours Book Store Tour in Capitol Hill: $80
- 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
- 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
- A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
- African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $450
- African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
- Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour from Washington DC: $99
- America’s Main Street and White House – Full-Day Tour: $727
- American History/Natural History Museum Combo Guided Tour: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Washington $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Washington?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Washington, 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 Washington?
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 Washington in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Washington. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Washington. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington 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 Washington during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Washington. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Washington in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Washington. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Saint Petersburg is much colder than Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Washington. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Washington. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Washington in the Winter?
Both Washington and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Washington can be very cold during winter. Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Washington during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Washington. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Washington in the Spring?
Both Washington and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Saint Petersburg can be very cold during spring. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Washington. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Washington. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Washington. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.