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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Vail?

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 Vail can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Vail

Vail is a vibrant, upscale, and resort-filled ski town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Vail is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Vail travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Vail?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although Saint Petersburg and Vail are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and beaches. Vail is more touristy than Saint Petersburg and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort. Saint Petersburg is famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vail and Saint Petersburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is terrific for skiing. However, Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Vail is among the world's best ski destinations. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Vail?

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its historical sights. However, Vail 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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Petersburg has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Vail area. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail 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 Vail for the nightlife scene. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

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 Vail Better for Music?

Vail is very good for live music. However, Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Saint Petersburg is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vail Better for Resorts?

Vail is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Vail. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vail Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Vail 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.

Vail is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vail Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Vail for the hiking trails. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Vail?

Vail 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 Vail. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

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 Vail More Beautiful?

Vail is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Vail is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a beautiful town that has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Petersburg or Vail Better for Families?

Vail 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.

Vail is one of the most popular family destinations. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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 Vail Better for Couples?

Vail is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Vail has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

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

Vail is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

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

While Vail offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a free bus service through the area.

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 Vail a more walkable city?

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

Vail is a very easy ski town to get around on foot. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Vail?

Both Saint Petersburg and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vail 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 Vail.

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

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

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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the live music and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Vail?

Saint Petersburg is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Vail?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Saint Petersburg. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vail is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Vail?

The relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Vail is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the skiing. 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.

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

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 Vail Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Vail?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Vail, 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.