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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach. 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Saint Louis and Virginia Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Virginia Beach?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Saint Louis than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Saint Louis, Saint Louis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Louis is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Saint Louis is famous 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. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Saint Louis different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is terrific for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Saint Louis or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Virginia Beach has a few options to choose from. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Saint Louis or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Louis or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Virginia Beach?

Saint Louis is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Louis or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Virginia Beach are great 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, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Is Saint Louis or Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Saint Louis and Virginia Beach both nice 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.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Saint Louis or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

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

Virginia Beach is popular with students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Saint Louis or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Virginia Beach?

Both Saint Louis and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Saint Louis. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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.

One day in Saint Louis or Virginia Beach?

In Saint Louis, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city 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 Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Saint Louis. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Virginia Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

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 Virginia Beach, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Saint Louis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Louis than you might in Virginia Beach.

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 Virginia Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?

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 Virginia Beach in the Summer?

Both Virginia Beach and Saint Louis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Louis in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Virginia Beach. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 279 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in July than Virginia Beach. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Virginia Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Virginia Beach. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 60°F (16°C), and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Virginia Beach. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Virginia Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Virginia Beach. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

It's quite cold in Virginia Beach in the winter. The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. Saint Louis is much colder than Virginia Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Virginia Beach fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Virginia Beach. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Virginia Beach receives 168 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Virginia Beach. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Virginia Beach in the Spring?

Both Virginia Beach and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Virginia Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Louis in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Virginia Beach averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Virginia Beach during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Virginia Beach receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Virginia Beach. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Virginia Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Virginia Beach and Saint Louis