A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Saint Petersburg for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Washington or Saint Petersburg?

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 Washington and Saint Petersburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a monument-filled, international, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Washington and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Saint Petersburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Washington than Saint Petersburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Washington is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Petersburg is known for its resorts and beaches. Washington is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Washington different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Washington is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Theater?

Washington is great for theatre. However, Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Saint Petersburg is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. 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.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Washington is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

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.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Music?

Washington is very good for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Washington is not a resort destination.

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.

Washington is not a resort destination.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Washington is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Hiking?

Washington is adequate for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Washington has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Saint Petersburg?

Washington is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Christmas?

Washington is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Washington is a top place to visit during Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Saint Petersburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Saint Petersburg.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Both Washington and Saint Petersburg are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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.

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg Better for Students?

Washington is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Washington can take you anywhere. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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

Is Washington or Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Washington is terrific for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Washington?

How long in Washington or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Washington or Saint Petersburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Washington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than Saint Petersburg 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 Washington.

One day in Washington or Saint Petersburg?

People visit Washington because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Saint Petersburg?

People visit Washington because there is so much to do. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Washington or Saint Petersburg?

Washington 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.

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Saint Petersburg?

Washington 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.

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Washington Expensive? and Is Saint Petersburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Washington or Saint Petersburg?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Saint Petersburg, 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 Washington or Saint Petersburg?

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 Washington or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

Washington is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. Washington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. In July, Washington usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Washington or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Washington during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Washington is much colder than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Washington often gets less sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Washington or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Saint Petersburg. Many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Saint Petersburg during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Washington or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Washington as well as Saint Petersburg. Many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months.

Washington is much colder than Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the spring, Washington often gets less sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Washington