A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Petersburg vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Toronto?

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 Toronto 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 nightlife, food, and beaches. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto than Saint Petersburg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg is known for its resorts and beaches. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Travelers visit Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

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

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 Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Saint Petersburg or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is terrific for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Toronto is a must-see party destination. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is terrific for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Toronto?

Toronto is terrific for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Toronto. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Toronto.

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.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Saint Petersburg or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Toronto are superb 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.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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

Toronto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Toronto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of 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 Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

Is Saint Petersburg or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Toronto can take you anywhere. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

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

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Toronto?

Both Saint Petersburg and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Saint Petersburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Toronto?

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.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Toronto?

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.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Toronto?

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

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 Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Toronto. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toronto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Petersburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Toronto. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Toronto. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Toronto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Toronto can be very cold. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Toronto. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Saint Petersburg