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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Sacramento?

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 Sacramento. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis and Sacramento: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Sacramento?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Saint Louis than Sacramento. While Sacramento is larger than Saint Louis, Saint Louis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Louis is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also well known for the Gateway Arch. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Saint Louis different from Sacramento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Sacramento

Saint Louis is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Saint Louis are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.


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

Saint Louis
Sacramento

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

Sacramento has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Saint Louis or Sacramento Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Sacramento

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

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 Sacramento has a few options to choose from. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Sacramento?

Saint Louis
Sacramento

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is well-known for its shopping. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Many visitors go to Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.


Is Saint Louis or Sacramento Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Sacramento

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Louis is very family-friendly. 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 Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.

Is Saint Louis or Sacramento Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Sacramento

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Saint Louis
Sacramento

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.


Is Saint Louis or Sacramento a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Sacramento

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options 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.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Sacramento or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Sacramento?

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

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

One day in Saint Louis or Sacramento?

With museums and nightlife around the fascinating city of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?

Saint Louis, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The undiscovered city of Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sacramento. 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, Sacramento 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 Sacramento is $281. 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 Sacramento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Sacramento $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Sacramento $222
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Sacramento

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Sacramento? 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 Sacramento


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 Sacramento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Sacramento $51

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 Sacramento

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

  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $219

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Sacramento?

Prices for flights to both Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $53

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 Sacramento

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

  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $95
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Midtown Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Italian Cooking and Dance Class Experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Sacramento $19
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: $298
  • Exploring St. Louis with the Family Walking Tour: $210
  • 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: $173
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $12
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • Gold Rush & Ghosts SmartPhone App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $12
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Delta's History and Wine: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $12
  • Sacramento Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Sacramento $12

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 Sacramento

Also in Sacramento, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl: $12
  • Cider and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch - near Sacramento: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and Sacramento, we can see that Sacramento is more expensive. And not only is Saint Louis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Louis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Louis and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento than you might in Saint Louis.

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 Sacramento Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Sacramento, 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 Sacramento?

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 Sacramento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Sacramento. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Sacramento for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Sacramento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Louis in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Sacramento averages at about 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 439 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Sacramento. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Sacramento 76°F (24°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Sacramento in the Autumn?

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

In October, Saint Louis is generally cooler than Sacramento. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 60°F (16°C), and Sacramento fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Sacramento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Sacramento. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Sacramento 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Sacramento in the Winter?

Both Sacramento and Saint Louis during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sacramento this time of year.

The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. Saint Louis is much colder than Sacramento in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Sacramento fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sacramento. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sacramento receives 149 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Sacramento. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Sacramento 45°F (7°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Sacramento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Sacramento.

In the spring, Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Sacramento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Louis in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Sacramento averages at about 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sacramento this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Sacramento during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Sacramento receives 328 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 Sacramento. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Sacramento receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Sacramento and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Sacramento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1.3 inches (32 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 76°F (24°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 75°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)