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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Dallas?

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 Dallas. 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis and Dallas: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Dallas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas than Saint Louis. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dallas is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums. Saint Louis is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Saint Louis different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Dallas

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Saint Louis are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.


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

Saint Louis
Dallas

Dallas 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, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Dallas

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

Dallas is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas?

Saint Louis
Dallas

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dallas 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.

Dallas is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.


Is Saint Louis or Dallas Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Dallas

Both Saint Louis and Dallas 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, Dallas is very family-friendly. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Saint Louis or Dallas Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Dallas

Dallas is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
Dallas

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Dallas has some public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.


Is Saint Louis or Dallas a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Dallas

Saint Louis is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Dallas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Dallas 2-4

One day in Saint Louis or Dallas?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the upscale city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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 food and shopping when visiting the chic destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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 active city of Dallas 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under rated 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 museums and nightlife when visiting Dallas. 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, Dallas 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 Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Dallas $28

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 Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Allen or Plano to Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $202
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
  • Dallas to Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Departure Private Transfer Dowtown Dallas to Dallas Airport DAL Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Departure Transfer to Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $35

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 Dallas

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


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $96
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Dallas $13
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 Dallas

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

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $20
  • Texas Rangers Baseball Game Ticket at Globe Life Field: $21
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Historic West End Ghost Walking Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Dallas $12

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 Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


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

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 Dallas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Dallas. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Louis is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Louis in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Dallas. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Dallas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Dallas. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Saint Louis is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 60°F (16°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Dallas in the Winter?

Both Dallas and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. Saint Louis is much colder than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Dallas. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the spring, Saint Louis is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Louis in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Dallas. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)