A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Pocono Mountains for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains. 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 unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a magnificent, relaxing, and scenic region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Saint Louis and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Saint Louis and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls. Saint Louis is famous 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 Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Saint Louis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is well known for winter skiing. However, Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains?

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Saint Louis are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Pocono Mountains can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Pocono Mountains has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

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 Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

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

Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains?

Saint Louis is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Pocono Mountains are very good 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, Pocono Mountains is very family-friendly. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Pocono Mountains frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

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

Saint Louis has some very good public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Is Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the scenic region of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the under rated city of Saint Louis. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the magnificent destination of Pocono Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing region of Pocono Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Louis in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

Pocono Mountains receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Pocono Mountains. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In October, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 60°F (16°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pocono Mountains. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pocono Mountains. It's quite cold in Saint Louis in the winter. Saint Louis is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

Both Pocono Mountains and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Louis in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Pocono Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Saint Louis