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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Houston?

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 Houston. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Saint Louis and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Saint Louis. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Saint Louis is more touristy than Houston and is known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Saint Louis different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Houston can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Houston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Saint Louis or Houston Better for Nightlife?

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

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Saint Louis or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a good destination for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Houston?

Saint Louis is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Saint Louis or Houston Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Houston are excellent 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, Houston is very family-friendly. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Saint Louis or Houston Better for Couples?

Saint Louis and Houston both nice 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.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Saint Louis or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a good destination for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis is well known for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Saint Louis can get you to some places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Saint Louis or Houston a more walkable city?

Saint Louis is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Houston?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Houston. 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 Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston?

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.

Houston is a southern 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.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Houston?

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.

Houston is a sprawling big city where you can fill many days. 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 Houston?

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 one-of-a-kind city of Houston 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 Houston?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting Houston. 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 Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the summer, Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Louis in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In July, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Houston. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Saint Louis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Saint Louis is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 60°F (16°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Houston. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. Saint Louis is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Houston. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Houston. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Saint Louis is cooler than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Louis in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Houston. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Saint Louis