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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Wilmington?

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 Wilmington 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wilmington travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Wilmington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Petersburg than Wilmington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, while Wilmington is known for its historical sights. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

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

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Saint Petersburg or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Saint Petersburg and Wilmington.

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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Saint Petersburg or Wilmington Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in 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.

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Saint Petersburg or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is very good for its historic old town. However, Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Wilmington?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Wilmington both offer plenty of good 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.

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Saint Petersburg or Wilmington Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Wilmington.

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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Saint Petersburg or Wilmington Better for Couples?

Both Saint Petersburg and Wilmington are excellent 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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Saint Petersburg or Wilmington Better for Students?

Wilmington is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Saint Petersburg is not popular with students.

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

Saint Petersburg and Wilmington both offer decent 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Is Saint Petersburg or Wilmington a more walkable city?

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

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Wilmington?

In either Saint Petersburg or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Wilmington than Saint Petersburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

One day in Saint Petersburg or Wilmington?

With museums and nightlife around the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic city of Wilmington. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Wilmington?

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wilmington?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wilmington 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 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 Wilmington, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Wilmington?

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

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Wilmington in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wilmington. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Wilmington in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Wilmington averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Wilmington. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Wilmington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Wilmington. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Wilmington. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches.

Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Wilmington in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wilmington. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Wilmington. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Saint Petersburg