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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Zagreb?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is $82. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Zagreb $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Zagreb $102
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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: Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Zagreb $9.69
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 Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • private transfer from Trogir/Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,747
  • Private Walking Tour with Funicular Ride & Transfers: $53
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $27
  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $6.93
  • Zagreb- Ljubljana. Private transfer: $194
  • Zagreb to Split Group Transfer with Plitvice Lakes guided Tour: $151
  • Zagreb to Rovinj private transfer or vice versa: $271
  • Zagreb to Budapest Private Transfer by Minivan: $532
  • Zagreb city to Zagreb Airport private transfer: $87
  • Zagreb Arrival Private Transfers from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City: $62
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $41
  • Zagreb Airport(ZAG) to Moravske Toplice- Arrival Private Transfer: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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 $18
    Zagreb $18
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 Zagreb

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zagreb.

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour: $136
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • Private Food Tour with Tastings: $173
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $948

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Zagreb $13

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private eclectic experience of Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes National Park: $163
  • Zagreb History Walking Tour: $31
  • (180min) Zagreb Leisure Tour-more ride up to the Mirogoj cemetery: $106
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Zagreb City with Guide (up to 10): $152
  • 2-Hour Unveiling A Captivating History Tour: $107
  • 4 Day Touristic Adventure from Zagreb: $2,441
  • 4-hour Private Zagreb & the Mountain Tour in a Yugo car: $114
  • All-Inclusive Day Tour Zagreb-Rastoke-Plitvice Lakes-Split: $1,064
  • Back to Yugoslavia Private City Tour in Old-Timer Yugo Car: $92
  • Baroque Varaždin and Trakošćan Castle Private Tour: $190
  • Beautiful Christmas in Zagreb - Walking Tour: $198
  • Beautiful Christmas in Zagreb - Walking Tour: $430

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Zagreb $9.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $197
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $206
  • Plesivica Region Wine Tasting Half-day Tour : $271


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Zagreb?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is cooler than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Zagreb. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Zagreb. Additionally, many travelers come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zagreb. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Zagreb. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)