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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Columbus?

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 Columbus. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Saint Louis and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Columbus?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Saint Louis than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Saint Louis, Saint Louis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Louis is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also home to the Gateway Arch. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Saint Louis different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Saint Louis from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

Saint Louis is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Saint Louis. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Saint Louis or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Saint Louis and Columbus.

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbus has a few options to choose from. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Columbus?

Saint Louis is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Saint Louis or Columbus Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Columbus are superb 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, Columbus is very family-friendly. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Saint Louis or Columbus Better for Couples?

Saint Louis is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Saint Louis is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Saint Louis or Columbus a more walkable city?

Saint Louis and Columbus both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Louis or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Louis than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Columbus 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.

One day in Saint Louis or Columbus?

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 shopping when visiting the down-to-earth city of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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 friendly city of Columbus 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 Columbus?

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting Columbus. 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 Columbus, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.

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 Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Columbus?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Columbus in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Columbus. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbus. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in July than Columbus. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Columbus in the Autumn?

Both Columbus and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Columbus. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Columbus in the Winter?

Both Columbus and Saint Louis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbus can be very cold during winter. Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Columbus. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbus receives 105 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Columbus. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Columbus in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Columbus.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Columbus during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Columbus receives 200 hours of full sun in the spring.

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Columbus. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Saint Louis