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

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

Where Should I go: Havana or Saint Petersburg?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Saint Petersburg

Located at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula of Florida, Saint Petersburg is a city known for its pleasant weather, coastal activities, and downtown arts scene. Nicknamed the "Sunshine City," Saint Petersburg is also a popular location for golfing, boating, fishing and beachgoing in addition to the usual entertainment options to be found in a thriving city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see 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 Havana and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Saint Petersburg 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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

Which is Bigger, Havana or Saint Petersburg?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg and Havana during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In the summer, Havana is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Havana usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Saint Petersburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene.

In October, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In October, Havana usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Havana or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Havana as well as Saint Petersburg. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Havana is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

Havana usually gets less rain in January than Saint Petersburg. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

Both Saint Petersburg and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Havana is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In April, Havana usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Havana