A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island. 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 fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint Louis and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Louis than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Louis is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Also, Saint Louis is famous for the Gateway Arch.

How is Saint Louis different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

Saint Louis is terrific for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Hilton Head Island can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

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.

Hilton Head Island has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

Saint Louis is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Louis. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hilton Head Island to choose from. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is well known for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hilton Head Island for it's beautiful beaches. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island?

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is an amazing coastal 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, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

Saint Louis and Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Hilton Head Island

Saint Louis is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.


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

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island?

Both Saint Louis and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Saint Louis. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Louis than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Hilton Head Island 5-7

One day in Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. This city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the museums. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the resort-filled coastal town of Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Saint Louis is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the unexpected city of Saint Louis. Most people visit 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 shopping and food when visiting the family-friendly destination of Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Saint Louis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.


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, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Hilton Head Island $129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Hilton Head Island

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island? 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 Hilton Head Island


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 Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Hilton Head Island $34

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
  • 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 Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $65
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island?

Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island 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
    Hilton Head Island $60

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Hilton Head Island $23
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 Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kazoo Factory Tour & Museum : $15
  • Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
  • Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
  • Walking Tour in Beaufort: $30
  • Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Historic Walking Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $30
  • History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $32
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
  • 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35
  • Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Hilton Head Island $26

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 Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Louis is cooler than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Saint Louis during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Hilton Head Island. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In April, Saint Louis is generally cooler than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 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 Hilton Head Island. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Hilton Head Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)