A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Kailua-Kona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Kailua-Kona?

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 Kailua-Kona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Kailua-Kona?

Saint Petersburg

Located at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula of Florida, Saint Petersburg is a city known for its pleasant weather, coastal activities, and downtown arts scene. Nicknamed the "Sunshine City," Saint Petersburg is also a popular location for golfing, boating, fishing and beachgoing in addition to the usual entertainment options to be found in a thriving city.

Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.

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, Kailua-Kona 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
    Kailua-Kona Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Kailua-Kona $274

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Kailua-Kona $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Kailua-Kona

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Kailua-Kona? 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 Kailua-Kona


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 Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Kailua-Kona $45

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Kailua-Kona?

Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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
    Kailua-Kona $100
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 Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Buffet Breakfast for Two
    $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Kailua-Kona $40

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:


  • Diving with Manta Rays for Two
    $162
  • Body Board Rental (1 Day)
    $12
  • 1 Day Kayak Rental
    $47
  • 2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive
    $115

Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:

  • From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Kailua-Kona $15


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Kailua-Kona?

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

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 Kailua-Kona in the Summer?

Both Kailua-Kona and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 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) 
    Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kailua-Kona. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?

Both Kailua-Kona and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 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) 
    Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Kailua-Kona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 76°F (24°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 77°F (25°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 78°F (25°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 79°F (26°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 78°F (26°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)