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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Hershey?

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 Hershey. 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums.

Saint Louis and Hershey: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Louis. Although Saint Louis and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Saint Louis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Louis is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Hershey is known for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Saint Louis 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.

How is Saint Louis different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Hershey

Saint Louis is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).


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

Saint Louis
Hershey

Saint Louis is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Saint Louis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Saint Louis or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Hershey

Saint Louis is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Saint Louis or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Hershey

Hershey is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hershey to choose from. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Hershey?

Saint Louis
Hershey

Saint Louis is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Saint Louis or Hershey Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Hershey

Hershey is an amazing town 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, Hershey is very family-friendly. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

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.

Is Saint Louis or Hershey Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Hershey

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

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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

Saint Louis
Hershey

Saint Louis is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Saint Louis can move around easily with public transportation. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Saint Louis or Hershey a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Hershey

Saint Louis is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Hershey is generally not a very walkable city. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Hershey. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Louis than Hershey. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Saint Louis. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hershey, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint Louis than Hershey. 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 Hershey 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 Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Saint Louis or Hershey?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful town of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the fun-filled destination of Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town 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 Hershey?

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.

The lighthearted town of Hershey offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

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 museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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, Hershey 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 Hershey is $212. 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 Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Hershey? 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 Hershey


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 Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Hershey $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • 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
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • 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
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey 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
    Hershey $61

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 Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Hershey $53
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: $12
  • 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: $173
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Hershey $27

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Hershey?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Hershey, 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 Hershey?

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 Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Hershey. 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 Hershey during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Saint Louis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Hershey. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Hershey. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Hershey. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Hershey.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. 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 Hershey. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Hershey. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)