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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Saint Louis and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Saint Louis and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Ketchikan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ketchikan is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Ketchikan is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also home to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Saint Louis different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Ketchikan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Saint Louis or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Ketchikan is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Ketchikan?

Saint Louis is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Saint Louis or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Ketchikan 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, Ketchikan is very family-friendly. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Saint Louis or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ketchikan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis is notable for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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 mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Saint Louis or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Ketchikan. In our opinion, Ketchikan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ketchikan than Saint Louis. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Saint Louis or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Saint Louis. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint town of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Ketchikan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under rated city of Saint Louis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The scenic town of Ketchikan offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Ketchikan?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ketchikan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Ketchikan?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Louis is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Ketchikan. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ketchikan can be very cold. Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Louis is generally much colder than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

Saint Louis is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Saint Louis