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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Richmond?

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 Richmond. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Richmond

Richmond is a historical, growing, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis and Richmond: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Richmond?

You'll generally find more things to do in Saint Louis than Richmond. Saint Louis is bigger than Richmond, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Also, Saint Louis is famous for the Gateway Arch. Richmond is well known for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Saint Louis different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Richmond

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Saint Louis on the map. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Richmond can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.


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

Saint Louis
Richmond

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

Richmond has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Saint Louis or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Richmond

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

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 Richmond has a few options to choose from. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Richmond?

Saint Louis
Richmond

Saint Louis is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.


Is Saint Louis or Richmond Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Richmond

Saint Louis is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Louis is known to be 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Saint Louis or Richmond Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Richmond

Saint Louis and Richmond both notable 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.

Richmond makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Is Saint Louis or Richmond Better for Students?

Saint Louis
Richmond

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

Richmond is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.


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

Saint Louis
Richmond

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

The public transit in Saint Louis can get you to most places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Saint Louis or Richmond a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Richmond

Saint Louis and Richmond both are notable 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.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

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

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Louis or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Louis than Richmond 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 Richmond.

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Richmond. 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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 Richmond? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Richmond 1-2

One day in Saint Louis or Richmond?

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 food when visiting the growing city of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

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 food and shopping when visiting the growing destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

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 growing city of Richmond 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 Richmond?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Richmond. 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, Richmond 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 Richmond is $161. 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 Richmond in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Richmond? 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 Richmond


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 Richmond Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Richmond $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • 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 Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • 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
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Richmond?

Prices for flights to both Richmond 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
    Richmond $21

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 Richmond

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

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Richmond $13
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: $12
  • 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: $173
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174

Tours and Activities in Richmond

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Richmond are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Richmond Ghosts: Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour: $26
  • Shockoe Bottom Ghost Walking Tour: $30
  • Phantoms of Franklin Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Court End Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Monroe Park Campus Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Church Hill Guided Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown & Capitol Square Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Richmond -

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 Richmond

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Richmond?

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

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 Richmond in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Richmond. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Richmond in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Richmond 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 Richmond during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

Richmond receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Richmond. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Richmond 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Richmond in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Richmond. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Richmond for the shopping scene during these months.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Richmond in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Richmond fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Richmond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 221 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Richmond. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Richmond 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Richmond in the Winter?

Both Richmond and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Richmond because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Richmond can be very cold. Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Richmond. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Richmond averages at about 36°F (2°C).

Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Richmond during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Richmond receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Richmond. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Richmond 36°F (2°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Richmond in the Spring?

Both Richmond and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Richmond. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Richmond fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Richmond. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Richmond receives 265 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 Richmond. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Richmond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Richmond and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Richmond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 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) 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)