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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Berkeley?

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 Berkeley. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a quirky, progressive, and diverse city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis and Berkeley: 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Berkeley?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Berkeley than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Berkeley is better known for its food, nightlife, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums. Berkeley is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Also, Berkeley is famous for University of California Botanical Garden. 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 Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Berkeley

Saint Louis is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Saint Louis on the map. 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 Berkeley. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.


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

Saint Louis
Berkeley

Berkeley 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, Berkeley makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Berkeley

Berkeley is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Berkeley is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Berkeley?

Saint Louis
Berkeley

Shopping is a popular activity in both Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is well-known for its shopping. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.


Is Saint Louis or Berkeley Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Berkeley

Saint Louis is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Louis is known to be 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Saint Louis or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Berkeley

Saint Louis and Berkeley both notable 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.

Berkeley makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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

Saint Louis
Berkeley

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Berkeley. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Berkeley Better for Students?

Saint Louis
Berkeley

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

Many students visit Berkeley. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis
Berkeley

Berkeley 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 Berkeley is top-notch. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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 Berkeley a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Berkeley

Berkeley 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 Berkeley on foot is easy. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Berkeley. In our opinion, Berkeley has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Berkeley 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 Berkeley.

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

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


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

One day in Saint Louis or Berkeley?

The city of Saint Louis offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the progressive destination of Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The diverse city of Berkeley 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.


A week in Saint Louis or Berkeley?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley 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 Berkeley is $190. 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 Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Berkeley? 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 Berkeley


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 Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Berkeley $30

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 Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $43
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $126
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $36

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 Berkeley

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


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

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

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Berkeley $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: $9.80
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

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

  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $16
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Berkeley $13

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 Berkeley

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

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Berkeley?

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

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 Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Berkeley. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Berkeley. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Louis is cooler than Berkeley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Berkeley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Berkeley averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berkeley for the natural beauty.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)