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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Alexandria?

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 Alexandria. 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 fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Alexandria?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Alexandria than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is better known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums. Alexandria is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon. 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 Saint Louis different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Alexandria

Saint Louis is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.


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

Saint Louis
Alexandria

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Alexandria can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Saint Louis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Alexandria has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Saint Louis or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Alexandria

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

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 Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Saint Louis or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Saint Louis
Alexandria

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

Alexandria offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Alexandria?

Saint Louis
Alexandria

Shopping is a popular activity in both Alexandria 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.

Alexandria is well-known for its shopping. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Is Saint Louis or Alexandria Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Alexandria

Saint Louis is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Saint Louis or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Alexandria

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

Couples visit Alexandria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

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 Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Alexandria

Alexandria is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Alexandria is top-notch. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

The public transit in Saint Louis can get you around easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Is Saint Louis or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Alexandria

Alexandria is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Alexandria on foot is easy. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

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

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


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

One day in Saint Louis or Alexandria?

With museums and nightlife around the under rated city of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Alexandria. 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 Alexandria?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Alexandria. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Five days in Saint Louis or Alexandria?

Saint Louis, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The charming city of Alexandria 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 Alexandria?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. 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, Alexandria 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 Alexandria is $0.00. 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 Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Alexandria? 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 Alexandria


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 Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Alexandria -

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria 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
    Alexandria -

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.
    Saint Louis $46
    Alexandria -
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 Alexandria

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

  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • A Walk in Washington's Footsteps History Tour: $32
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Alexandria -

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and Alexandria, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

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 Alexandria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Alexandria?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Alexandria, 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 Louis or Alexandria?

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 Louis or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Saint Louis during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

In July, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Alexandria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Alexandria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Alexandria. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Alexandria. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alexandria can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Alexandria. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Alexandria in the Spring?

Both Alexandria and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Alexandria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alexandria during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)