A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Saint Petersburg for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Cancun 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 Cancun and Saint Petersburg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a tropical, active, and adventurous city. Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cancun travel costs.

Saint Petersburg

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

Cancun and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Saint Petersburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun than Saint Petersburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cancun is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its food. Cancun is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also well known for . Saint Petersburg is famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

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How is Cancun different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cancun and Saint Petersburg.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Cancun or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

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

Cancun is a must-see party destination. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Cancun is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cancun is a perfect choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Cancun or Saint Petersburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun is not to be missed. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Cancun and Saint Petersburg are fantastic choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

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.

Is Cancun or Saint Petersburg Better for Hiking?

Cancun is very good for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Saint Petersburg?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cancun and Saint Petersburg.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Many visitors go to Saint Petersburg to go shopping. 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 Cancun or Saint Petersburg More Beautiful?

Cancun is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cancun is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cancun or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Cancun is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Cancun is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Cancun has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Cancun or Saint Petersburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Cancun is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

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

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

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 Cancun or Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

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

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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 Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Saint Petersburg?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun 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 Cancun.

One day in Cancun or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the wild destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the adventurous city of Cancun. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Saint Petersburg?

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Saint Petersburg?

Cancun is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed destination of Saint Petersburg. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Saint Petersburg?

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