A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Bryce Canyon National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park?

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 Bryce Canyon National Park. 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 unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a spectacular, other-worldly, and breathtaking park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Saint Louis and Bryce Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • 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
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Louis. Although Saint Louis and Bryce Canyon National Park are popular destinations, Saint Louis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Louis is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Bryce Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bryce Canyon National Park is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. Saint Louis is famous for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also well known for the Gateway Arch.

How is Saint Louis different from Bryce Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bryce Canyon National Park 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 Bryce Canyon National Park?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Louis is very popular for its historical sights. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Saint Louis are world-renowned. 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.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.


Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Louis is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Bryce Canyon National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Is Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Louis is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

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.

People don't go to Bryce Canyon National Park for the nightlife. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Is Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a park with a few options for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Bryce Canyon National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There's a lodge within the park and the hotels outside the park are mostly operated by Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon Resort.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Bryce Canyon National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Louis is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is well-known for its shopping. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Bryce Canyon National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Is Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Both Saint Louis and Bryce Canyon National Park are high quality family-friendly destinations.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bryce Canyon National Park is very family-friendly. The kids will be as mesmerized as the adults with this spectacular park. There are great hikes for the whole family as well as horseback riding and ranger programs. For the best horseback riding experience, it's best to book your ride within the park. There are also private vendors that offer options outside the park.


Is Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Bryce Canyon National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The spectacular sunset views make this a truly romantic destination. The colors and setting are surreal and the hikes are spectacular. Couples will find a range of accommodation options that include large resort hotels just outside the park and camping within the park.

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 Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. For most visitors, this park is a short stop, but for those who want to experience it in depth, there are many backcountry hikes that let you enjoy a very different side to the park. You'll need a permit, but the backcountry lets you enjoy a peaceful solitude that you won't find in the more touristy areas.

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 Bryce Canyon National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

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

Saint Louis has some very good public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Shuttle travels to the most popular overlooks. It doesn't operate during the winter months.


Is Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Bryce Canyon National Park

Saint Louis is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bryce Canyon National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Bryce Canyon National Park is generally not very walkable. Most of the trails require a car to access. If you're staying outside the park, you'll also want a private vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Bryce Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In either Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bryce Canyon National Park than Saint Louis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Bryce Canyon National Park. 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 Saint Louis than Bryce Canyon National Park 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 Saint Louis.


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Bryce Canyon National Park 2-5

One day in Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Saint Louis, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this fascinating destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the spectacular park of Bryce Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Bryce Canyon National Park?

In Saint Louis, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the other-worldly destination of Bryce Canyon National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park 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 Bryce Canyon National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Saint Louis. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking park of Bryce Canyon National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Saint Louis. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. 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 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, Bryce Canyon National Park 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 Bryce Canyon National Park is $135. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Louis and Bryce Canyon National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Bryce Canyon National Park $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Bryce Canyon National Park $134
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Bryce Canyon National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park? 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 Bryce Canyon National Park


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 Bryce Canyon National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Bryce Canyon National Park $56

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: $131
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $115
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $115
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $65
  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Bryce Canyon National Park?

Prices for flights to both Bryce Canyon National Park 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
    Bryce Canyon National Park $33

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
    Bryce Canyon National Park $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:

  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174
  • 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: $175
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $8.66
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • St. Louis Christmas Spectacular Tour: $244

Tours and Activities in Bryce Canyon National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • The Beauty of Full-Day Audio Driving Private Tour: $7.19
  • Full-Day Private Scenic Byway 12 Audio Driving Tour : $8.99
  • Bryce Canyon National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour : $25
  • Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon: $69
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah 1.5 Hour Ride: $80
  • Horseback Riding Experience through Red Canyon with a Guide: $105
  • Bryce Canyon E-bike Tour : $105
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah Half Day Ride: $110
  • Hiking Experience in Bryce Canyon National Park: $120
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah Thunder Mt. 4 Hour Ride: $120
  • Peekaboo, Spooky and Dry Fork Slot Canyon Tour: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Bryce Canyon National Park $6.78

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25


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

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 Bryce Canyon National Park Expensive?.


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