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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

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 Saint Louis and Albuquerque. 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.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a outdoorsy, desert, and historic town. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Saint Louis and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Albuquerque than Saint Louis, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Albuquerque is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Louis is known for its museums. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Albuquerque is popular for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Saint Louis different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Saint Louis from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Albuquerque offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.


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

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

Albuquerque 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, Albuquerque makes for a great culinary experience. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

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 Saint Louis or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Saint Louis and Albuquerque.

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Albuquerque has a few options to choose from. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

Is Saint Louis or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Albuquerque offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.


Is Saint Louis or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Albuquerque offers some nice hiking trails. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

Shopping is a popular activity in both Albuquerque and Saint Louis.

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.

Albuquerque is well-known for its shopping. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Is Saint Louis or Albuquerque Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

Saint Louis is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.


Is Saint Louis or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

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

Couples visit Albuquerque frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

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 Saint Louis or Albuquerque Better for Students?

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

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

Albuquerque is popular with students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

Saint Louis is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Albuquerque is not known for its public transit.

Visitors to Saint Louis can move around easily with public transportation. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.


Is Saint Louis or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Albuquerque

Saint Louis and Albuquerque both are good when exploring on foot.

Saint Louis is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable place. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

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

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Albuquerque due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque.


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Albuquerque? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Albuquerque 2-4

One day in Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Saint Louis. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural town of Albuquerque. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the desert destination of Albuquerque. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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.


Five days in Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

The under rated city of Saint Louis offers shopping and museums. 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.

The cultural town of Albuquerque offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Albuquerque. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or Saint Louis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $184, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $135. 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 Louis and Albuquerque in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Albuquerque $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Albuquerque $138
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Albuquerque

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Albuquerque? 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 Louis


Hotels in Albuquerque


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 Louis Hotel Prices and Albuquerque Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Albuquerque $37

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
  • 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
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque

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

  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $78
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Pagosa Springs Private Transfer: $174
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Private Transfer: $125
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Round-Trip Transfer: $250
  • Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $40
  • Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and Saint Louis 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 Louis $54
    Albuquerque $41

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albuquerque

For Albuquerque, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albuquerque, NM: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Albuquerque $24
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: $299
  • 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: $174
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $9.80
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Albuquerque

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Albuquerque.

  • Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour by App: $6.50
  • Historic Old Town Albuquerque smart phone App/Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Albuquerque by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Turquoise Museum Admission Ticket: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Albuquerque by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Old Town Hauntings of the West Ghost Tour: $26
  • The Ghost Tour of Old Town - New Mexico's oldest Ghost Walk - Since 2001: $35
  • 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll: $35
  • ABQ City Guided History Tour: $35
  • Duke City Pedaler: Beverage Tour to Old Town/Sawmill Albuquerque : $35

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

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 Saint Louis and Albuquerque, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is Albuquerque much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Albuquerque would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Albuquerque, 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.