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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Aspen 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 food, hiking, and shopping. See Aspen travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Saint Petersburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums and attractions and beaches. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Aspen is terrific for skiing. However, Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is among the world's best ski destinations. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.


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

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Petersburg. 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.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Aspen 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.

Aspen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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 Saint Petersburg or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Aspen 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 Aspen for the nightlife scene. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

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 Saint Petersburg or Aspen Better for Music?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Aspen is great for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen draws a good crowd. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Aspen. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

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 Saint Petersburg or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Saint Petersburg is renowned for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Aspen is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Aspen is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Aspen for the hiking trails. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Aspen 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 Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

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 Saint Petersburg or Aspen More Beautiful?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

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

Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Saint Petersburg or Aspen Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Petersburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Saint Petersburg or Aspen Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Both Saint Petersburg and Aspen are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Aspen is a very popular place to visit for couples. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

Aspen 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 Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

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 Saint Petersburg or Aspen a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Aspen

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

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

In either Saint Petersburg or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Saint Petersburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Aspen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Aspen 3-5

One day in Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

In Saint Petersburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this underrated destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the live music and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. 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.


Five days in Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

Saint Petersburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed destination of Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Aspen or Saint Petersburg?

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

  • Saint Petersburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Aspen Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Aspen $355

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, while the average daily cost in Aspen is $355. 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 Saint Petersburg and Aspen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Aspen $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Aspen $340
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Aspen

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Aspen? 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 Saint Petersburg


Hotels in Aspen


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices and Aspen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Aspen $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aspen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aspen:

  • Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $143

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

Prices for flights to both Aspen and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $84
    Aspen $146
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Aspen $45

Tours and Activities in Aspen

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

  • Aspen Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Aspen Self-Guided Tour: Tales of Wealth, Wildness and Rebellion: $15
  • Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour: $45
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Scenic Walking Tour: $45
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Tour: $45
  • Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour: $45
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $45
  • Dark History Ghost-Themed Guided Walking Tour: $45
  • From Past to Present History Walking Tour: $45
  • Cemetery Tour: $45
  • Highlights of Aspen Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Aspen $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Aspen, we can see that Aspen 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Aspen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Aspen?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Aspen, 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.