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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage. 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Saint Louis and Anchorage: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Anchorage?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Anchorage than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Anchorage, Anchorage has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Anchorage is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. It is also home to Chugach State Park. Saint Louis is popular 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 Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Anchorage

Saint Louis is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Saint Louis that are not to be missed. 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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.


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

Saint Louis
Anchorage

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Anchorage can be difficult as they are each good 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Saint Louis or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Anchorage

Saint Louis is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Louis. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Saint Louis or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Anchorage

Anchorage is an amazing city to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Anchorage is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Anchorage?

Saint Louis
Anchorage

Saint Louis is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Saint Louis or Anchorage Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Anchorage

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Saint Louis or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Anchorage

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

Couples visit Anchorage frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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 Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Anchorage

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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 Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
Anchorage

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Saint Louis is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Saint Louis or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Anchorage

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Anchorage. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Louis than Anchorage. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Anchorage. 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.


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

One day in Saint Louis or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Saint Louis. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic city of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Anchorage. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under rated city of Saint Louis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The breathtaking city of Anchorage offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Anchorage?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Anchorage. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage 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 Anchorage is $191. 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 Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Anchorage? 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 Anchorage


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 Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Anchorage $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • 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 Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $116
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $116
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
  • Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $232
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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
    Anchorage $50

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

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Anchorage $30
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:

  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $12
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30
  • True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighbourhood: $30
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $174
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174

Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:

  • Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
  • Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
  • 1-Hour Trolley Tour: $25
  • Adventurers Ready To Jump Into the Void Alaska Style Wanted: $39
  • Botanical Garden Walking Tour: $40
  • Deluxe Trolley City Tour: $50
  • Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
  • Anchorage City Tour, Smoked Salmon and Reindeer Sausage Samplings: $59
  • Last Frontier Anchorage City & Wilderness Tour - Top Winter Value: $65
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
  • Turnagain Arm Tour: "A Must See Destination": $69
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Anchorage $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

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
  • Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage 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 Louis Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Anchorage?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?

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 Louis or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Anchorage. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Louis is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Anchorage. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. In the autumn, Saint Louis is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. It's quite cold in Saint Louis in the winter. In January, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. Saint Louis is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)