A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Saint Louis for Attractions, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Saint Louis?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Saint Louis can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums.

Saint Louis

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

Jekyll Island and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Saint Louis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jekyll Island is better known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Also, Jekyll Island is famous for Driftwood Beach. 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 Jekyll Island different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island 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.

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.


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

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Saint Louis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Jekyll Island or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Louis. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Jekyll Island is a island with a few options for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

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

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful beaches. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Saint Louis Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Jekyll Island is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Saint Louis?

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.


Is Jekyll Island or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Both Jekyll Island and Saint Louis are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jekyll Island. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

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.

Is Jekyll Island or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Both Jekyll Island and Saint Louis are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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

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

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.


Is Jekyll Island or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options 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.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jekyll Island and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island than in Saint Louis. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Jekyll Island. 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 Jekyll Island. 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 Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Jekyll Island or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded island of Jekyll Island. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under rated 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 Jekyll Island or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Jekyll Island. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island 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.

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 Jekyll Island or Saint Louis?

The relaxing island of Jekyll Island offers 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the unexpected 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 Jekyll Island or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. 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.

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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis or Jekyll Island?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $156, 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 Jekyll Island and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Saint Louis $26

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: $131
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • 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): $65
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $115
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $45
    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.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Saint Louis $46

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
  • Exploring St. Louis with the Family Walking Tour: $211
  • 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: $175
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $8.66
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • St. Louis Christmas Spectacular Tour: $244

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    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 Jekyll Island and Saint Louis, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is Jekyll Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jekyll Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jekyll Island and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Saint Louis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Louis than you might in Jekyll Island.

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



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Saint Louis in the Summer?

Both Saint Louis and Jekyll Island during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Saint Louis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets less sunshine than Saint Louis. Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Saint Louis. Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Saint Louis. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally a little warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Louis. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Saint Louis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Saint Louis. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. Jekyll Island is much warmer than Saint Louis in the winter. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

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

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in January than Saint Louis. Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during spring. Jekyll Island 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, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island 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)