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

Should you visit Key West or Saint Louis?

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

Should I visit Key West 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.

Key West

Key West is a eclectic, bustling, and active town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Key West and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Saint Louis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Saint Louis are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also well known for Duval Street. Saint Louis is famous for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Key West different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Louis is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Saint Louis are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Key West and Saint Louis.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Key West. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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.

Is Key West or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

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

Key West is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

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 Key West or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Key West is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Key West to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Saint Louis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Key West for it's beautiful beaches. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Saint Louis Better for its Old Town?

Key West is well known for its historic old town. However, Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Saint Louis.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

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.

Is Key West or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Key West is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Key West frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West or Saint Louis Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis is notable for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Saint Louis can get you to some places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Key West and Saint Louis both are nice when exploring on foot.

Key West is a somewhat walkable place. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Key West?

How long in Key West or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key West and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Saint Louis. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West 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 Key West.

One day in Key West or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quirky town of Key West. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The city of Saint Louis offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the bustling destination of Key West. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the bustling town of Key West. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Saint Louis, we can see that Key West 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 Key West Expensive? and Is Saint Louis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West 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 Key West 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 Key West or Saint Louis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Saint Louis. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Key West usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key West as well as Saint Louis. The autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

Key West is much warmer than Saint Louis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the autumn, Key West often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Saint Louis. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Saint Louis in the Winter?

Both Saint Louis and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West 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. In the winter, Key West is much warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Key West during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Key West is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Key West usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Key West