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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Saint Petersburg. While Saint Petersburg is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and resorts. Santa Monica is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Saint Petersburg is famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

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

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 Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

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.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg and Santa Monica are world-class choices for a beach vacation.

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.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and 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 Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Monica is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors to Santa Monica can move around easily with public transportation. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica?

In Saint Petersburg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this underrated coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the funfilled destination of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Santa Monica?

Saint Petersburg is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the funfilled town of Santa Monica. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Santa Monica?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica?

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

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Santa Monica. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Santa Monica. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Saint Petersburg