A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Hilton Head Island for Beaches, Families, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and beaches, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Hilton Head Island.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is terrific for the beach. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Hilton Head Island both offer plenty of notable 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.

Hilton Head Island offers some nice shopping areas. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island More Beautiful?

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

Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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

Saint Petersburg is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg and Hilton Head Island are respectable 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island?

Both Saint Petersburg and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxed destination of Saint Petersburg. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the beaches. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and food around the relaxing destination of Hilton Head Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Saint Petersburg. Most people visit for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the beaches. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Hilton Head Island is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?

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 Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Hilton Head Island. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Hilton Head Island. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Hilton Head Island. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Saint Petersburg