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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Vail?

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 Vail. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Vail

Vail is a charming, picturesque, and scenic ski town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Saint Louis and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Vail?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although Saint Louis and Vail are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums. Vail is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort. 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 Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Louis or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is an amazing ski town to visit for winter skiing. However, Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

Vail is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

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

Saint Louis is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have 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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Vail has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Saint Louis or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Vail is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Saint Louis or Vail Better for Music?

Vail 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 Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Louis or Vail Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Vail to choose from. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Louis or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail 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 Vail. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Vail?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Vail and Saint Louis.

Saint Louis is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Vail is well-known for its shopping. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

Is Saint Louis or Vail Better for Christmas?

Vail is an amazing ski town to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Saint Louis does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Vail is not to be missed. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Saint Louis does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saint Louis or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

Vail is well known for its Christmas markets. However, Saint Louis does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Vail offer plenty to see during the holidays. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Saint Louis does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Saint Louis or Vail Better for Families?

Vail is an amazing ski town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Vail is very family-friendly. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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.

Is Saint Louis or Vail Better for Couples?

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

Vail is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vail is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Saint Louis is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for its public transit.

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

Vail has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

Is Saint Louis or Vail a more walkable city?

Vail is an amazing ski town to visit for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Vail on foot is easy. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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 Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Vail?

Both Saint Louis and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vail 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 Vail.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vail 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 Vail.

One day in Saint Louis or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 Vail?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This ski town 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 Vail?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Even though Vail is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Vail?

The under rated city of Saint Louis offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the skiing. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this ski town.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and Vail, we can see that Vail 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 Vail would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vail 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 Vail Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Vail?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Vail, 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.