A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Saint Louis for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Louis? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a energetic, lively, and fun beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and beaches.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Daytona Beach and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Daytona Beach than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Daytona Beach is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Also, Daytona Beach is famous for The Daytona International Speedway. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Daytona Beach different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Saint Louis on the map. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Saint Louis area. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Daytona Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Daytona Beach or Saint Louis Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Daytona Beach is a good destination for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Daytona Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach offers a nice beach destination. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.


Is Daytona Beach or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Louis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Saint Louis make for a notable place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Saint Louis Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular place to visit for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.


Is Daytona Beach or Saint Louis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Saint Louis offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Daytona Beach and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Louis than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Daytona Beach 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 Saint Louis.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the party-hard beach city of Daytona Beach. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

You'll find live music and nightlife around the fun destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers something for everyone. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

The lively beach city of Daytona Beach offers nightlife and live music. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under rated destination of Saint Louis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Saint Louis. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis or Daytona Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, while the average daily cost in Saint Louis is $184. 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 Daytona Beach and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Saint Louis? 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 Daytona Beach


Hotels in Saint Louis


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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Saint Louis $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $65
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $115
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $115
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and Daytona Beach 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
    Daytona Beach $80
    Saint Louis $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Louis.

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - St. Louis, MO: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Saint Louis $46

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75

Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

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

  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $8.66
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighbourhood: $30
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Saint Louis $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

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

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25


When comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Saint Louis, we can see that Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach Expensive? and Is Saint Louis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Saint Louis, 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 Daytona Beach or Saint Louis?

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 Daytona Beach or Saint Louis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Saint Louis. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Saint Louis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 81°F (27°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Saint Louis. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

In October, Daytona Beach is generally a little warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Saint Louis. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Louis in the Winter?

Both Saint Louis and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. Daytona Beach is much warmer than Saint Louis in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 58°F (15°C).

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)