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

Should you visit Izmir or Saint Petersburg?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Saint Petersburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Saint Petersburg?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Petersburg or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Izmir Prices
    Turkey Prices
    Saint Petersburg Prices
    Russia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Izmir $96
    Saint Petersburg $86

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $96, while the average daily cost in Saint Petersburg is $86. 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 Izmir and Saint Petersburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Saint Petersburg $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Saint Petersburg $80
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Saint Petersburg

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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.

Hotels in Izmir


Hotels in Saint Petersburg


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: Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Saint Petersburg $8.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • İzmir Airport Private Transfer Service: $75
  • Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $82
  • Transfer to Izmir airport from Kusadasi: $82
  • Transfer from Izmir to Didim: $287
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Private Transfer | IZMIR City Hotels - Izmir AIRPORT: $66
  • Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $54
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir hotels: $59
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Selcuk: $131
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport (Adnan Menderes) to Central Izmir: $67
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport (ADB) to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $93

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.50

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Saint Petersburg?

Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg and Izmir 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
    Izmir $33
    Saint Petersburg $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251

Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $5.14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $16
    Saint Petersburg $20

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $171
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Izmir Walking Tour: $185
  • Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $42
  • Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $161
  • Day Tour to Pamukkale from-to Izmir: $240
  • Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from İzmir: $145
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • Ephesus Day Tour from Izmir with Lunch: $131
  • Ephesus Excursion For Cruisers: $586
  • Ephesus Full Day Tour From Izmir: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.94
    Saint Petersburg $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $131


When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Izmir 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 Europe, 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Saint Petersburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Saint Petersburg?

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 Izmir or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Saint Petersburg. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.

In the summer, Izmir is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 267 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Izmir is generally much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 70 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Izmir in the winter for the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. Izmir is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around -8°C (18°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 22 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Saint Petersburg. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Saint Petersburg. Most visitors come to Izmir for the activities around the city during these months.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In the spring, Izmir is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Izmir

Izmir Saint Petersburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)