A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells, 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 notable, colonial, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Saint Augustine and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Saint Augustine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Augustine is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also well known for the Colonial Quarter.

How is Saint Augustine different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Wisconsin Dells know how to have a good time. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Saint Augustine is a great destination for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. 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.

Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells has hiking trails worth exploring. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Saint Augustine is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.


Is Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Saint Augustine is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Wisconsin Dells

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells. In our opinion, Saint Augustine has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Augustine than Wisconsin Dells. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Wisconsin Dells 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.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells?

The notable 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 high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells offers nightlife and food. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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 city of Wisconsin Dells offers food and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells?

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.

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells?

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.

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Wisconsin Dells. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells or Saint Augustine?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, while the average daily cost in Wisconsin Dells is $142. 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 Saint Augustine and Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Saint Augustine


Hotels in Wisconsin Dells


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49
    Wisconsin Dells $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Wisconsin Dells $46

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Child Friendly Pirate Walking Tour: $10
  • Historic Museum Tour Ticket: $16
  • Haunting Hour Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine: $18
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Walking History Tour of St. Augustine's Historic District: $25
  • Walking Tour in North City Cemeteries of St. Augustine: $25
  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour: A Ghostly Encounter: $25
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Ghost Tour of St. Augustine: The Original Haunted History Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted Downtown Tour of Baraboo: $16
  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24
  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Saint Augustine is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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 Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Augustine in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Saint Augustine during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 70°F (21°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Wisconsin Dells. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. Saint Augustine is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Wisconsin Dells. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year.

In the spring, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Augustine in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)