A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Boulder for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

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 Boulder can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

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

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Boulder travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

Both Boulder and Saint Petersburg have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Saint Petersburg is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, while Boulder attracts visitors for its skiing, music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Boulder and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Boulder is adequate for skiing. However, Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.


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

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Boulder area. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

The vibe at night is nice in both Saint Petersburg and Boulder.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.


Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Music?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Boulder is very good for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

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.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Boulder is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Boulder is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

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

Many visitors go to Boulder for the hiking trails. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Boulder both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. 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.

Boulder offers some nice shopping areas. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder More Beautiful?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Boulder is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Petersburg is very family-friendly. 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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Boulder is a good coastal city for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Boulder is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Boulder is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Saint Petersburg or Boulder Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Boulder is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Boulder is very popular with students. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

Saint Petersburg and Boulder both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Saint Petersburg or Boulder a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Boulder

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

Boulder is somewhat walkable. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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 Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Boulder. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Boulder. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

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

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


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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find live music and food around the outdoorsy destination of Boulder. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Petersburg has to offer.

You'll find food and shopping around the biker-friendly city of Boulder. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Boulder is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


A week in Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Boulder 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, Boulder 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
    Boulder Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Boulder $231

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, while the average daily cost in Boulder is $231. 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 Boulder in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Boulder $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Boulder $204
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Boulder

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Boulder? 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 Boulder


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 Boulder Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Boulder $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

Prices for flights to both Boulder 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
    Boulder $94
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

Typical Food Prices in Boulder

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


  • 2 Coffees
    $8.75
  • Nice Dinner for Two
    $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Boulder $33

Tours and Activities in Boulder

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boulder.

  • E-Bike Guided Tour in Boulder, Colorado: $100
  • "Boulder Peaks & Wilderness Tours: Mallory Cave Trail": $300
  • Best Family Small-Group E-Bike Guided Tour in Boulder, Colorado: $105
  • Best of Boulder E-Bike Tour: $104
  • Bones, Burials, & Ballads: Boulder Ghost Tours: $24
  • Boulder Art and Nature E-Bike Tour: $95
  • Boulder Backroads: E-Bike Dirt Road Tour: $250
  • Boulder City: Hemenway Park Guided Tour: $150
  • Boulder Flatirons Private Photo Adventure: $85
  • Boulder Ghost Tour: $35
  • Boulder Joyride Guided eBike Tour: $95
  • Boulder Puzzling Adventure: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Boulder $27


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Boulder, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 North America, 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Boulder Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Boulder?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Boulder. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Boulder, 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.