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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Saint Louis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
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


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Saint Petersburg than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches, while Saint Louis is known for its museums and shopping. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Saint Louis from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.


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

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

Saint Petersburg 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, Saint Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Petersburg or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

The vibe at night is good in both Saint Petersburg and Saint Louis.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

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.

Is Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

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

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

Saint Petersburg is an amazing coastal city to visit for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Saint Petersburg offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Saint Louis is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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 Petersburg or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

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

Couples visit Saint Petersburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors to Saint Louis can move around easily with public transportation. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.


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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Petersburg and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg than in Saint Louis. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Petersburg than Saint Louis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxed destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the fascinating city of Saint Louis. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

The underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


A week in Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, while the average daily cost in Saint Louis is $184. 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 Petersburg and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis? 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 Petersburg


Hotels in Saint Louis


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 Petersburg Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Saint Louis $26

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
  • 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
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • 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: $65
  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg $49
    Saint Louis $54
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

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 Petersburg $13
    Saint Louis $46

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: $174
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Saint Louis $19

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 comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Saint Louis, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg Expensive? and Is Saint Louis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Saint Louis, 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 Petersburg or Saint Louis?

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 Petersburg or Saint Louis in the Summer?

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

Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Saint Louis in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Saint Louis. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Saint Louis. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Louis. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Saint Louis in the winter. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 59°F (15°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in January than Saint Louis. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Saint Louis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Saint Louis. The beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

Saint Petersburg is much warmer than Saint Louis in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun in the spring.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)