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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Saint Louis. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a youthful, fun, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Jacksonville and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
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 Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Saint Louis. Jacksonville is bigger than Saint Louis, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums. Saint Louis is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.


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

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Jacksonville is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

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

Jacksonville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Jacksonville is well known for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Jacksonville for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Jacksonville and Saint Louis.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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.

Is Jacksonville or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Louis. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Jacksonville and Saint Louis both notable destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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


Is Jacksonville or Saint Louis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Jacksonville is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

Is Jacksonville or Saint Louis Better for Students?

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Jacksonville is a good destination for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.


Is Jacksonville or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Jacksonville
Saint Louis

Jacksonville and Saint Louis are notable when it comes to walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

Saint Louis is somewhat walkable. 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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Saint Louis. In our opinion, Jacksonville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Jacksonville than Saint Louis. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

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


  • How many days in Jacksonville or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jacksonville 2-3 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Jacksonville. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Saint Louis, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this unexpected city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. 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 museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

The youthful city of Jacksonville offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

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

Saint Louis is a popular place to visit. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jacksonville $92
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jacksonville $184
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville to Jacksonville - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $126
  • Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville to Jacksonville, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $334
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: $147
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $121
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $116
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    Saint Louis $54

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.
    Jacksonville $20
    Saint Louis $46

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
  • 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
  • Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
  • Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida : $48
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60

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:

  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174
  • ChocoCulture Saint Louis Half-Day Private Tour: $298
  • Exploring St. Louis with the Family Walking Tour: $210
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $173
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $12
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Saint Louis $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

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

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135

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 Jacksonville and Saint Louis, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Saint Louis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Saint Louis?

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 Jacksonville or Saint Louis in the Summer?

Both Saint Louis and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Saint Louis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Saint Louis. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Saint Louis. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Saint Louis. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene.

In October, Jacksonville is generally a little warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Louis. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Louis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Saint Louis. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. Jacksonville is much warmer than Saint Louis in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Saint Louis. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)