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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Hershey?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums. See Hershey travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Saint Petersburg and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Saint Petersburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and beaches, while Hershey is known for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).


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

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

Saint Petersburg is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Saint Petersburg or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Saint Petersburg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Saint Petersburg or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

Hershey 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 Hershey. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

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 Hershey Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

Saint Petersburg is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. 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.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Hershey?

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Hershey both offer plenty of good 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.

Hershey offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Hershey Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

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

Hershey is one of the most popular family destinations. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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.


Is Saint Petersburg or Hershey Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

Both Saint Petersburg and Hershey are great 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.

Hershey is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

Saint Petersburg and Hershey both offer decent 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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Saint Petersburg or Hershey a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Hershey

Saint Petersburg and Hershey are decent when it comes to walkability.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

Hershey is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.


For even more information, also check out Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Hershey?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Hershey. 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 Saint Petersburg than Hershey 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 Saint Petersburg.


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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Hershey?

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 museums and shopping around the playful destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Hershey?

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 shopping and museums around the fun-filled town of Hershey. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Hershey?

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.

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

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.

Hershey is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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, Hershey 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
    Hershey Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Hershey $257

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, while the average daily cost in Hershey is $257. 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 Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Hershey? 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 Hershey


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 Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Hershey $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey 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
    Hershey $105
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 Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hershey

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

  • Hershey Trolley Crawl and Evening Food Tour on a Vintage Trolley: $20
  • Hershey Trolley Food Tour Experience: $99
  • Rise and Dine Food Tour in Vintage Style Trolley: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Hershey $53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

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

  • Harrisburg's Historic Downtown Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75

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


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Hershey?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Hershey, 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 Saint Petersburg or Hershey?

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 Saint Petersburg or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Hershey. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Hershey. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Hershey. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Hershey. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)