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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Monterey?

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 Monterey 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 food, beaches, and shopping. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Monterey travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Saint Petersburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Saint Petersburg is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monterey 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 Monterey?

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Monterey.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Monterey can be an interesting and educational experience. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Monterey.

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 Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Is Saint Petersburg or Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey 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 Monterey for the nightlife scene. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey Better for Resorts?

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

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Monterey?

Monterey 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey 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.

Monterey is one of the most popular family destinations. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Monterey are high quality 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.

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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

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

Monterey is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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 Monterey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg and Monterey both offer respectable 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Saint Petersburg or Monterey a more walkable city?

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

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Monterey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

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

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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Monterey?

The coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing destination of Monterey. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Monterey?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Petersburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid back city of Monterey. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Monterey?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Monterey is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Monterey?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Monterey is a great place to explore. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Monterey, 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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Monterey?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Monterey. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Monterey. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Monterey. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 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 Monterey in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Monterey. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Saint Petersburg