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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg?

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg?

Both Williamsburg and Saint Petersburg have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Williamsburg is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.


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

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

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

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 Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Saint Petersburg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Saint Petersburg is a good destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Saint Petersburg is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is terrific for its historic old town. However, Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is one of the most popular family destinations. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Both Saint Petersburg and Williamsburg are high quality 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.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.


Is Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Saint Petersburg and Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Williamsburg

Saint Petersburg and Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg. In our opinion, Williamsburg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Williamsburg than Saint Petersburg. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.


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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg?

In Saint Petersburg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fun-filled 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 museums and food around the charming destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg?

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 food and shopping around the historic town of Williamsburg. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Williamsburg?

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.

Williamsburg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Williamsburg?

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.

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.


Which place is cheaper, Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Williamsburg $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, while the average daily cost in Williamsburg is $135. 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 Williamsburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Williamsburg $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Williamsburg $132
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Williamsburg

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg? 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 Williamsburg


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 Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Williamsburg $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg?

Prices for flights to both Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $54
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
    Williamsburg $34

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $250
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $82
  • Civil War Ghost Tour: $25
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Williamsburg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Williamsburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg?

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

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Williamsburg. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Petersburg is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 82°F (28°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. Saint Petersburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Williamsburg. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Saint Petersburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Williamsburg in the winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Williamsburg. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Williamsburg. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 73°F (23°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Williamsburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)