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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Nashville?

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 Nashville. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Nashville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville than Saint Louis, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nashville is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Saint Louis is known for its museums and shopping. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Saint Louis different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Nashville

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Saint Louis from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.


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

Saint Louis
Nashville

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

Nashville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Saint Louis or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Nashville

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

Nashville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville Better for Music?

Saint Louis
Nashville

Nashville is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Nashville is a world class music destination. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Louis or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Nashville

Nashville is a good destination for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Nashville?

Saint Louis
Nashville

Saint Louis is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Saint Louis or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Saint Louis
Nashville

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas activities. However, Saint Louis does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville is a fun destination over Christmas. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Saint Louis does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Saint Louis or Nashville Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Nashville

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Saint Louis or Nashville Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Nashville

Saint Louis and Nashville both good 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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Saint Louis or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Nashville

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Saint Louis
Nashville

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

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 limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Saint Louis or Nashville a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Nashville

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Nashville?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Nashville. 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.

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


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

One day in Saint Louis or Nashville?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic city of Nashville. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the unexpected 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 live music and food when visiting the country music lovers destination of Nashville. 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 Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating 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 southern city of Nashville offers food and museums. 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 Nashville?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville 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 Nashville is $172. 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 Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Nashville? 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 Nashville


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 Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Nashville $21

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: $130
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • 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): $80
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $116
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $116

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

Also for Nashville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer: $125
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $111
  • Nashville accomodation to Nashville Airport (BNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville 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
    Nashville $41

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 Nashville

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

  • Nashville Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Neighborhood Food Tour on E-bikes: $79
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $94
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Nashville, TN: $94
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $113
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Nashville $27
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
  • ChocoCulture Saint Louis Half-Day Private Tour: $299
  • 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: $174
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $9.80
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Music City Self-Guided Walking Tour w/ Audio App: $6.75
  • Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Wander Nashville- Guided Historic Walking Tour: $10
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Willie Nelson and Friends Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Downtown Nashville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $13
  • Belmont Mansion All Day Admission Ticket in Nashville: $18
  • Explore Haunted Downtown Walking Tour in Nashville : $20
  • Nashville Unveiled: History, Highlights, and Hacks Walking Tour: $24
  • Cruising Nashville Narrated Sightseeing Tour by Open-Air Vehicle: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Nashville $15

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 Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville's Annual Saint Patrick's Day Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Crawl-O-Ween Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Nashville's Honky-Tonk Walking Sightseeing Pub Crawl: $31
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Nashville's Lost Spirits: Murder and True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Nashville Lost Spirits: Murder True Crime Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Nashville, 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 Nashville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Nashville. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Nashville in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. 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 Nashville. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nashville. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nashville. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Saint Louis during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. It's quite cold in Saint Louis in the winter. In January, Saint Louis is generally much colder than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Nashville. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Nashville. Also, many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city.

Saint Louis is cooler than Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nashville. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)