Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Zadar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Zadar? 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 Zadar?
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.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Zadar $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Zadar $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Zadar? 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: Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Zadar $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
-
Metro Passes$1.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
- Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport (ZAD): $71
- Private Transfer to/from Zadar Airport: $46
- Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
- Zadar hotels to Split Airport (SPU) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Zaton Holiday Resort: $77
- Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from The Garden, Tisno: $152
- Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to/from Petrcane: $70
- Zadar Airport: Private Transfer to or from Vir Island: $106
- Zadar Airport to Novalja Private Transfer: $240
- Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
- Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar 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 daySaint Petersburg $18Zadar $30
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$4.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Small Group Cooking Class: $39
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Zadar $20
Tours and Activities in Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
- Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
- Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
- Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
- 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
- 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
- 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
- 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
- Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
- Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
- Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
- Daysailing & SUP experience: $98
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Zadar $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
- Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
- Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Zadar, we can see that Zadar 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 Zadar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zadar 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 Zadar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Zadar?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Zadar, 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 Zadar?
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 Zadar in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Zadar. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
Saint Petersburg is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Zadar. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Zadar in the Autumn?
Both Zadar and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Zadar. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Zadar. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Zadar in the Winter?
Both Zadar and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Zadar. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Zadar in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Zadar. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Saint Petersburg can get quite cold in the spring. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Zadar. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.