A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Santa Barbara for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Saint Louis or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara. 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. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a wealthy, opulent, and pristine coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Saint Louis and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Saint Louis is well known 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 Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town 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.

Many visitors head to Santa Barbara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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

Santa Barbara is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Barbara makes for a great culinary experience. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Santa Barbara has a few options to choose from. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Santa Barbara to choose from. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santa Barbara has a few snorkeling spots. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santa Barbara to see the historical old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Santa Barbara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for shopping. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Barbara is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Santa Barbara are superb 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, Santa Barbara is very family-friendly. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an amazing coastal town to visit for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is well known for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Many students visit Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Is Saint Louis or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

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

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Saint Louis. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Saint Louis. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santa Barbara, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Saint Louis or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the pristine coastal town of Santa Barbara. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the affluent destination of Santa Barbara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal town 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 Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under rated destination of Saint Louis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 scenic coastal town of Santa Barbara offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Santa Barbara?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Saint Louis. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Barbara. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Santa Barbara?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Santa Barbara. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Saint Louis