A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gainesville vs. Saint Louis for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Gainesville or Saint Louis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Saint Louis, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a active, vibrant, and high energy city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Gainesville and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Gainesville or Saint Louis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Louis than Gainesville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and shopping, while Gainesville is known for its nightlife. Saint Louis is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also home to the Gateway Arch. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Gainesville
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Saint Louis that are not to be missed. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Gainesville. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.


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

Gainesville
Saint Louis

Both Gainesville and Saint Louis offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

Gainesville offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Gainesville or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville
Saint Louis

Gainesville is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Gainesville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

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 the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Saint Louis?

Gainesville
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is notable for shopping. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Louis is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Gainesville. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.


Is Gainesville or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Gainesville
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Louis is 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.

Gainesville is a family-friendly city. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Gainesville or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Gainesville
Saint Louis

Gainesville and Saint Louis are both good to visit as a couple.

Gainesville is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Is Gainesville or Saint Louis Better for Students?

Gainesville
Saint Louis

Gainesville is well known for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Many students visit Gainesville. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.


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

Gainesville
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is notable for its public transit. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Saint Louis is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Gainesville has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

Is Gainesville or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Gainesville
Saint Louis

Gainesville and Saint Louis both are good when exploring on foot.

Gainesville is somewhat walkable. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gainesville and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Louis than in Gainesville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Gainesville. 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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Gainesville 1-2 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Gainesville or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Gainesville. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Saint Louis. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Gainesville or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Gainesville. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Gainesville or Saint Louis?

The high energy city of Gainesville offers shopping and museums. 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.

The unexpected city of Saint Louis offers shopping and museums. 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.

A week in Gainesville or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Gainesville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis or Gainesville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $221, 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 Gainesville and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gainesville $119
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gainesville $238
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Gainesville 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 Gainesville


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: Gainesville Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gainesville $40
    Saint Louis $26

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
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $78
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $116
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $116
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and Gainesville 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
    Gainesville $70
    Saint Louis $54
Typical Food Prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:


  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $17
  • Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)
    $24

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.
    Gainesville $44
    Saint Louis $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gainesville

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:


  • Manatee Tour for Two
    $98
  • Tour Guide Tip
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Gainesville

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History Ticket: $15
  • Private Snorkeling Tour in Florida Springs: $250

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: $12
  • 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
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30
  • True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighbourhood: $30
  • St. Louis Blues Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Enterprise Center: $31
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gainesville $49
    Saint Louis $19

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gainesville Expensive? and Is Saint Louis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville or Saint Louis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Saint Louis. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

Gainesville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Saint Louis. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Gainesville is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 60°F (16°C).

Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Saint Louis. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gainesville 71°F (22°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Louis in the Winter?

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

The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In January, Gainesville is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gainesville 54°F (12°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Gainesville during the spring are popular places to visit.

Gainesville is a little warmer than Saint Louis in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gainesville 69°F (20°C) 
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Gainesville

Gainesville Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 54°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 57°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 69°F (20°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 6.8 inches (174 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (139 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 56°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)