A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Yosemite National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park?

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 Yosemite National Park. 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a world-famous, stunning, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Saint Louis and Yosemite National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yosemite National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Also, Yosemite National Park is famous for El Capitan. 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 Yosemite National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Saint Louis is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Saint Louis area. 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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Saint Louis is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Louis. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Yosemite National Park to choose from. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Yosemite National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Both Saint Louis and Yosemite National Park 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, Yosemite National Park is very family-friendly. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.


Is Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Yosemite National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yosemite National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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 Yosemite National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park 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.

Yosemite National Park has some public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.


Is Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Yosemite National Park

Saint Louis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable city. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Yosemite National Park or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Yosemite National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Yosemite National Park 3-7

One day in Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park?

The city of Saint Louis offers museums and nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the popular national park of Yosemite National Park. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Yosemite National Park?

The fascinating destination of Saint Louis offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the world-famous destination of Yosemite National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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 Yosemite National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking national park of Yosemite National Park. 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 Yosemite National Park?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yosemite National Park. 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 hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this national park.


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, Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park is $129. 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 Yosemite National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Yosemite National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Yosemite National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Yosemite National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park? 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 Yosemite National Park


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 Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Yosemite National Park $41

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
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $65
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $115
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $115
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Yosemite National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yosemite National Park 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
    Yosemite National Park $40

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Yosemite National Park $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:

  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $8.66
  • 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
  • True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighbourhood: $30
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $175

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Yosemite National Park Audio Driving Tour: $11
  • Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Yosemite: Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Yosemite: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst: $130
  • Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
  • Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $190
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Yosemite National Park $11

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and Yosemite National Park, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is Yosemite National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yosemite National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yosemite National Park 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 Yosemite National Park.

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 Yosemite National Park Expensive?.