A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Las Vegas for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Louis or Las Vegas?

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 Las Vegas. 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.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sexy, glamourous, and ritzy entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Saint Louis and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Las Vegas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Las Vegas than Saint Louis, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Las Vegas is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Louis is known for its museums. Las Vegas is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. 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 Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Saint Louis is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital 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.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.


Is Saint Louis or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for theatre. However, Saint Louis is not a theatre destination.

Las Vegas is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Saint Louis is not a theatre destination.

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

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many 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 Saint Louis or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is a world class music destination. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Louis or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Las Vegas for its luxury resorts. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Las Vegas?

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for shopping. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Saint Louis is well-known for its shopping. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.


Is Saint Louis or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Saint Louis is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Saint Louis or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Las Vegas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Saint Louis is notable for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.


Is Saint Louis or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Las Vegas

Saint Louis and Las Vegas both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Las Vegas?

Both Saint Louis and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Saint Louis. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Las Vegas 2-7

One day in Saint Louis or Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a sinful entertainment capital where you can fill many days. 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 Las Vegas?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under rated 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.

Las Vegas is a sinful big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the unexpected 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.

Las Vegas is a sinful entertainment capital where you can fill many days. 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 Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 entertainment capital.


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, Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Las Vegas $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Las Vegas

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas


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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Las Vegas $53

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • Airport Transfer: $64
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $201
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Car: $143
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Luxury Van: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Car: $143
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Luxury Van: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport by electric vehicle: $82
  • Departure Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS in Luxury SUV: $145
  • From Las Vegas Airport - Transfer to Hotel: $95
  • From Las Vegas Hotel - Transfer to Airport: $95
  • From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
  • Lake Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) - Departure Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Las Vegas?

Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $80

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 Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

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

  • Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Wranglers Gone Rock Firelight Barn Dinner Theater: $49
  • Manila Night Market and Food tour experience with Mari: $62
  • Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
  • Tournament of Kings Dinner and Show at Excalibur Hotel and Casino: $78
  • Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89
  • Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
  • Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
  • Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Las Vegas $78
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: $174
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174

Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

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

  • Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Self-Guided Red Rock Canyon Audio Driving Tour: $8.99
  • Las Vegas’ Glitter Gulch, Ghosts and Gangsters: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Las Vegas Strip: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Dowtown Las Vegas: $10
  • Hoover Dam: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided Sightseeing Highlights Digital Tour: $13
  • Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Audio-Guided Tour: $14
  • Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Red Rock Canyon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Las Vegas Day Trips: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Las Vegas $55

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 Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
  • Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
  • Ticket for Black Girl Magic Burlesque: $67
  • Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
  • Fremont Street-Old Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
  • Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Las Vegas, 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.