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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Norfolk?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Louis than Norfolk, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Saint Louis is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also home to the Gateway Arch. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Saint Louis different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Norfolk

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.


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

Saint Louis
Norfolk

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Norfolk 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Saint Louis or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Norfolk

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Saint Louis and Norfolk.

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Norfolk?

Saint Louis
Norfolk

Saint Louis is a great destination for shopping. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.


Is Saint Louis or Norfolk Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Norfolk

Saint Louis is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Saint Louis or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Norfolk

Saint Louis is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

Saint Louis
Norfolk

Saint Louis is a great destination for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.


Is Saint Louis or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Norfolk

Saint Louis and Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Louis or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Louis than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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


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

One day in Saint Louis or Norfolk?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the maritime city of Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

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 maritime city of Norfolk offers shopping 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 Norfolk?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Norfolk 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 Norfolk is $166. 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 Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Norfolk $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Norfolk $168
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Norfolk? 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 Norfolk


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 Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Norfolk $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • 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
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • 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
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Norfolk?

Prices for flights to both Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $49

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 Norfolk

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

  • Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $101
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $126
  • Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $162
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Norfolk $14
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: $9.80
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
  • Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $95
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $95
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Norfolk $10

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


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Norfolk?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. In July, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Saint Louis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene.

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

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Norfolk. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Louis or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Norfolk. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Norfolk can be very cold during winter. Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint Louis is generally much colder than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Norfolk.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Norfolk. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)