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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke 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 beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Roanoke?

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Petersburg than Roanoke. Saint Petersburg is bigger than Roanoke, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Petersburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, while Roanoke is more popular for its hiking. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is famous for St. Pete Beach. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Petersburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Saint Petersburg or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint Petersburg and Roanoke.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Saint Petersburg or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is renowned for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is great for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Roanoke?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Roanoke 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.

Roanoke offers some nice shopping areas. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Saint Petersburg or Roanoke Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Petersburg. 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Saint Petersburg or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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

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

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Saint Petersburg and Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Saint Petersburg or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg and Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Roanoke?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Roanoke. 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 Roanoke. 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Roanoke?

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 nightlife around the laid back destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Roanoke?

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 nightlife and shopping around the laid back town of Roanoke. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Roanoke, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Roanoke much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Roanoke would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roanoke 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 Roanoke.

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 Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Roanoke?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke 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 Roanoke because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. 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 Roanoke during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Roanoke, 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 Roanoke. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Roanoke. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 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 Roanoke in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Roanoke. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Roanoke in the Spring?

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

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. 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 Roanoke. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Roanoke. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Saint Petersburg