Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Saint Louis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint Louis and Chicago. 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 is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Chicago is a edgey, cosmopolitan, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for theater, nightlife, and live music.
You'll generally find more things to do in Chicago than Saint Louis. Chicago is bigger than Saint Louis, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chicago is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chicago and Saint Louis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Both Saint Louis and Chicago have first-rate landmarks and museums for visitors.
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.
The museums and tourist attractions in Chicago are world-renowned. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for theatre. However, Saint Louis is not a theatre destination.
Chicago is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.
Saint Louis is not a theatre destination.
Chicago 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 Chicago, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.
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.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.
Chicago has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.
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.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.
Chicago is a world class music destination. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.
Saint Louis is not a live music destination.
Chicago is a good destination for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.
Chicago offers a nice beach destination. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.
Saint Louis is not a beach destination.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.
Chicago is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.
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.
Chicago is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Saint Louis does not offer Christmas activities.
Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Chicago. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.
Saint Louis does not offer Christmas activities.
Chicago is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Saint Louis does not offer Christmas markets.
Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Chicago. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.
Saint Louis does not offer Christmas markets.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
With a huge array of activities for kids, Chicago is very family-friendly. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Louis is very family-friendly. 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.
Saint Louis and Chicago 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.
Chicago makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.
Chicago is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.
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.
Chicago is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.
Chicago is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.
Saint Louis is not popular with students.
Chicago 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 Chicago is top-notch. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.
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.
Chicago is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.
Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.
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 Chicago Worth Visiting?.
In either Saint Louis or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago 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 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.
Families should spend more time in Chicago than Saint Louis. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chicago, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Chicago than Saint Louis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chicago that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago 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 Chicago.
In Saint Louis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Chicago is a multicultural city where you can fill many days. 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.
In Saint Louis, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer.
Chicago is a multicultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Saint Louis is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Chicago is a diverse city where you can fill many days. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Louis. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Chicago. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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 Chicago is $288. 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 Chicago in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Chicago? 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
Prices for flights to both Chicago 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Louis.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chicago.
Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Saint Louis for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Free Things to Do in Chicago, Chicago Bucket List: The Best Places to See, and The Best Museums in Chicago.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Saint Louis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Louis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Louis 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Saint Louis.
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 Chicago Expensive?.
Chicago has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Chicago, 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.
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.
Both Chicago and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Chicago. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Chicago. 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 Chicago during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In July, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chicago. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Chicago and Saint Louis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Saint Louis is a little warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.
Saint Louis usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Chicago. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Chicago because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Chicago can be very cold. Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Louis is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).
Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Chicago. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Chicago. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
In April, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chicago. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Saint Louis | Chicago | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 31°F (-1°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
Apr | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
May | 68°F (20°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
Jun | 77°F (25°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
Aug | 79°F (26°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
Sep | 72°F (22°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
Oct | 60°F (16°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Nov | 48°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |