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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Monterey?

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 Monterey. 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Saint Louis and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Monterey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monterey than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monterey is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums. Monterey is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. Also, Monterey is famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Saint Louis is well known 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 Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

Monterey is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Monterey makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

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

Monterey is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Louis or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a good destination for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Monterey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Monterey and Saint Louis.

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.

Monterey is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Is Saint Louis or Monterey Better for Families?

Monterey is an amazing city 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, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Monterey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

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

Saint Louis offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

Is Saint Louis or Monterey a more walkable city?

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

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Monterey?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey 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 Monterey.

One day in Saint Louis or Monterey?

The city of Saint Louis offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented city of Monterey. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Monterey?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Monterey. 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 Monterey?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The nature-oriented city of Monterey 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 Monterey?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Monterey. 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 comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Monterey, we can see that Saint Louis 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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Monterey?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Monterey. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

In July, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Monterey. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Monterey in the Autumn?

Both Monterey and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Monterey for the shopping scene.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Monterey. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Saint Louis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Monterey. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Monterey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Monterey. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches during these months.

In April, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Monterey. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Monterey. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Saint Louis