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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Saint Louis?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons or Saint Louis? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Simons and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • 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 Simons or Saint Louis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Saint Simons and Saint Louis are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums and nightlife. Saint Simons is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East 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 Simons 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 Simons. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Saint Louis that are not to be missed. 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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.


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

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

Saint Simons 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 Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Simons or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

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

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Simons or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

Saint Simons is well known for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Simons for it's beautiful beaches. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Saint Louis Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

Saint Simons is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons offers some nice hiking trails. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Saint Louis?

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

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

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Simons or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Saint Louis.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Simons or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

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

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a great destination for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Saint Louis is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.


Is Saint Simons or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Saint Simons
Saint Louis

Saint Simons and Saint Louis both are good when exploring on foot.

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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 Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Simons or Saint Louis?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Saint Simons or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Simons 2-4 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Saint Simons or Saint Louis?

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Saint Louis, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fascinating city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Saint Louis?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island 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.

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Saint Simons or Saint Louis?

Because Saint Simons is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under rated destination of Saint Louis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Saint Louis?

Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Saint Louis is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do 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 Simons?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $176, 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 Simons and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Simons $100
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Simons $200
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons 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 Simons


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 Simons Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Simons $49
    Saint Louis $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • 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
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $65
  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • 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
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131

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

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and Saint Simons 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 Simons $48
    Saint Louis $54

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 Simons $16
    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:

  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Simons $60
    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 Simons and Saint Louis, 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 Simons Expensive? and Is Saint Louis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Simons or Saint Louis?

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 Simons or Saint Louis in the Summer?

Both Saint Louis and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives less sunshine than Saint Louis during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Simons. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

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

Both Saint Louis and Saint Simons during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Simons is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 60°F (16°C).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the autumn, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint Louis. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Saint Louis. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Saint Louis. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Saint Louis in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°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 Simons this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. Saint Simons usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C) 
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Saint Simons

Saint Simons Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)