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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Portland?

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 Portland. 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.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Saint Louis and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland than Saint Louis, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Portland is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also home to Washington Park. 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 Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is very popular for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Saint Louis. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Saint Louis or Portland Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Portland has a few options to choose from. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Saint Louis or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Louis or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Portland?

Saint Louis is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Saint Louis or Portland Better for Families?

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland 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 Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Saint Louis or Portland Better for Couples?

Saint Louis and Portland 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Portland is a good destination for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Is Saint Louis or Portland 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. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Saint Louis or Portland a more walkable city?

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

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Portland. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

One day in Saint Louis or Portland?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back city of Portland. 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 Portland?

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 live music and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Portland?

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 eclectic city of Portland offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Portland?

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 live music when visiting Portland. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Portland, 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Portland. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Saint Louis or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland 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 Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. It's quite cold in Saint Louis in the winter. In January, Saint Louis is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Portland. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Portland. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland 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 Portland during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Portland. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Saint Louis