A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Saint Augustine vs. West Palm Beach for Beaches, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach, 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Saint Augustine and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and West Palm Beach are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. West Palm Beach is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Saint Augustine different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in West Palm Beach know how to have a good time. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is very popular for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Saint Augustine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is very popular for its beaches. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches in West Palm Beach are among the best in the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

The beaches at Saint Augustine attract visitors from all over. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is very popular for its historic old town. However, West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a world-famous historical area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

West Palm Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

Saint Augustine is a great city for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and West Palm Beach are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, West Palm Beach is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and West Palm Beach are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

West Palm Beach is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Is Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

Both Saint Augustine and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Saint Augustine. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than West Palm Beach if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

The colonial destination of Saint Augustine offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The diverse destination of West Palm Beach offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach area offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and West Palm Beach, 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 Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach?

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 Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in July than West Palm Beach. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and West Palm Beach. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is cooler than West Palm Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as West Palm Beach. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

In January, Saint Augustine is generally much colder than West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than West Palm Beach. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

Both West Palm Beach and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches.

Saint Augustine is cooler than West Palm Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Saint Augustine