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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Austin?

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 Austin. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Saint Louis and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than Saint Louis, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums and shopping. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Saint Louis different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Saint Louis or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Louis or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Austin?

Saint Louis is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Saint Louis or Austin Better for Families?

Saint Louis is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Saint Louis or Austin Better for Couples?

Saint Louis and Austin both good destinations for a couple.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Saint Louis or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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 Austin Better for Students?

Austin is well known for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Many students visit Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis is a great destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options 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 mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Saint Louis or Austin a more walkable city?

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Saint Louis. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

One day in Saint Louis or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively city of Austin. 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 Austin?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. 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 Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The entrepreneurial city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. 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 Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

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

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 Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Austin, 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 Austin?

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 Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Louis is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. 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 Austin during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Austin. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Saint Louis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is cooler than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Austin. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In January, Saint Louis is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Austin. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Austin. Additionally, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Saint Louis is cooler than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Austin. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Austin. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Saint Louis