A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Petersburg vs. Nags Head for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Nags Head?

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 Nags Head can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Nags Head

Other reasons to visit include nightlife and food. See Nags Head travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Nags Head: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Nags Head?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Saint Petersburg and Nags Head 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, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Nags Head is known for its nightlife. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Nags Head is popular for

How is Saint Petersburg different from Nags Head?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

Saint Petersburg is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

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

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nags Head Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

Nags Head 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 Nags Head for the nightlife scene. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

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 Nags Head Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nags Head is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Nags Head is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Nags Head Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Nags Head?

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nags Head Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Nags Head.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Nags Head is a very kid-friendly coastal city. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.


Is Saint Petersburg or Nags Head Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

Saint Petersburg is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

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.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Saint Petersburg or Nags Head Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

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

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

Saint Petersburg is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination 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 Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.


Is Saint Petersburg or Nags Head a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Nags Head

Saint Petersburg and Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.

Should I spend more time in Nags Head or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Nags Head?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. 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.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or Nags Head? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Nags Head 4-7

One day in Saint Petersburg or Nags Head?

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Saint Petersburg. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and nightlife around the activity-filled destination of Nags Head. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Nags Head?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun-filled of Nags Head. 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 Nags Head?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. 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 Nags Head?

Saint Petersburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nags Head is a great place to explore. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Nags Head 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
    Nags Head Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Nags Head $179

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, while the average daily cost in Nags Head is $179. 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 Nags Head in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Nags Head $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Nags Head $160
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Nags Head

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Nags Head? 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 Nags Head


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 Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Nags Head $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Nags Head?

Prices for flights to both Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $71
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Nags Head $14

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
  • OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
  • Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Nags Head $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:

  • Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Nags Head, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Nags Head much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nags Head would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nags Head 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg than you might in Nags Head.

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 Nags Head Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Nags Head?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Nags Head, 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 Nags Head?

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 Nags Head in the Summer?

Both Nags Head and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Nags Head in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Nags Head fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nags Head during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Nags Head. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Nags Head in the Autumn?

Both Nags Head and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Nags Head. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Nags Head averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 205 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Nags Head. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Nags Head in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Nags Head. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nags Head for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nags Head. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Nags Head. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Nags Head fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Nags Head during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Nags Head receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Nags Head. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Nags Head in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Nags Head. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Nags Head in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Nags Head fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Nags Head. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nags Head receives 262 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Nags Head. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Nags Head receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Nags Head and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Nags Head
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)