Which place is cheaper, Saint Petersburg or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Heraklion or Saint Petersburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Saint Petersburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Heraklion or Saint Petersburg?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.
-
Heraklion Prices
Greece PricesSaint Petersburg Prices
Russia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €195Saint Petersburg €73
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €195, while the average daily cost in Saint Petersburg is €73. 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 Heraklion and Saint Petersburg in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Saint Petersburg €34
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Saint Petersburg €68
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Saint Petersburg
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Saint Petersburg? 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: Heraklion Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Saint Petersburg €6.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Services From Heraklion To Rethymno Hotels: $106
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MALIA area up to 7 customers: $87
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $202
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Gouves area up to 7 customers: $49
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to ANISSARAS area up to 7 customers: $67
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AMMOUDARA HERAKLION area up to 7: $66
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIOS NIKOLAOS area up to 7 : $156
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIA GALINI area up to 7 customers: $172
- Transfer Heraklion Airport or Port to Ammoudara Agios Nikolaos up to 4 customers: $149
- Transfer Heraklion Airport or Port to Ammoudara Agios Nikolaos : $192
- Transfer From,To Heraklion Airport & PORT To,From AGIOS NIKOLAOS: $120
- Transfer Airport to HERAKLION CITY CENTER OR PORT area up to 7 : $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
-
Metro Passes€1.27
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Saint Petersburg?
Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg and Heraklion 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 dayHeraklion €90Saint Petersburg €30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Crete: Traditional Dance Show and Buffet Dinner with Wine: $34
- Troy Dinner-Show: $36
- Crete : Cooking Lessons In Lasithi Plateau: $45
- Hersonissos: Spectacular Dinner Show Ticket: $47
- Cretan Village Feast, Live Music, Dancers & Local Dinner: $54
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $76
- Olive Oil Festival in Cretan Farm with Traditional Dinner: $78
- Dia Island Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $80
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $99
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $105
- Jeep Tour Psiloritis the Mountain of Gods & Cooking Lesson: $114
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $135
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two€4.38
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Saint Petersburg €17
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $118
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $110
- E-Ticket to Heraklion Archaeological Museum with Audio Guide: $26
- Knossos Palace Heraklion City Tour: $47
- e-bike tour in Crete with guide and stroryteller Soulouksina: $168
- Αrchaeological Museum of Herakleion Entry Ticket: $24
- Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $90
- 4 Hour Fishing and Swimming Boat Experience in Schisma Eloundas: $150
- 5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch: $105
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $93
- Aquaplus Admission Ticket: $36
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $119
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Saint Petersburg €9.20
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Organic Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour: $40
- Cretan Wine Tasting Experience: $41
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $100
- Walking city tour & Wine tasting: $100
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $104
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with Wine Tastings: $150
- Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine tasting-Olive oil tasting: $180
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $198
- Olive oil and Wine Tour with Lunch: $235
- Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $237
- From Villages and Vines A Scenic Wine Tasting Journey: $289
- Guided Tour Palace of Knossos & Archanes Wine Tasting Tour: $416
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Saint Petersburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Saint Petersburg?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?
Both Saint Petersburg and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Heraklion is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?
Both Saint Petersburg and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 70 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint Petersburg. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Saint Petersburg. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around -8°C (18°F).
Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 22 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Saint Petersburg. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. Heraklion is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 180 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Saint Petersburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.