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

Should you visit Tampa or Saint Louis?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food and beaches.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Tampa and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Tampa or Saint Louis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tampa. Although Tampa and Saint Louis are roughly the same size, Tampa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tampa is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Saint Louis is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. Also, Tampa is famous for Busch Gardens.

How is Tampa different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tampa
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tampa
Saint Louis

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Saint Louis can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

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.

Is Tampa or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Tampa
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Saint Louis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa
Saint Louis

Tampa is a city with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Tampa or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Tampa
Saint Louis

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

Many people visit Tampa for it's beautiful beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Saint Louis?

Tampa
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Tampa
Saint Louis

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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.


Is Tampa or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Tampa
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Saint Louis is a good city for couples to visit. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Tampa
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Tampa
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.


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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tampa and Saint Louis. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Saint Louis than Tampa. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Tampa 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 Tampa or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tampa 2-3 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Tampa or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the low-key city of Tampa. 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 shopping and museums that this unexpected destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tampa or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the easy-going destination of Tampa. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Saint Louis?

The low-key city of Tampa offers food. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Tampa or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis or Tampa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $179, 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 Tampa and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampa $85
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampa $170
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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 Tampa


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: Tampa Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampa $69
    Saint Louis $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa

Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer : $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Tampa Airport TPA to Tampa City in Business Car: $73
  • Departure Private Transfer: Tampa City to Tampa Airport TPA in Business Car: $73
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $36
  • Private One-way Tampa Airport Transfer To/From Tampa: $46
  • Private Transfer from TPA to Lakeland and Winter Haven: $158
  • Private Transfer from TPA to Tampa / St Petersburg / Clearwater Beach : $121
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport (TPA) to Clearwater Beach: $189
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport TPA to Lakeland/Winter Haven: $189
  • Private Transfer from Tampa Airport to Clearwater: $120
  • Private transfer Arrival or Departure - Tampa International Airport (TPA): $79
  • Private transfer from Tampa airport To Zephyrhills, FL: $155

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: $132
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $77
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and Tampa 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
    Tampa $53
    Saint Louis $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa

For Tampa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida: $88
  • Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays: $89

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.
    Tampa $20
    Saint Louis $46

Tours and Activities in Tampa

For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tampa Riverwalk: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.33
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour: $26
  • The Official Downtown Tampa Ghost Tour: $30
  • Sunset and Night Cruises Tour: $30
  • Shared Ybor City Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour: $30
  • 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise from Tampa: $31
  • Tampa History Cruise: $31
  • Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour: $31
  • The Florida Aquarium Ticket: $34
  • Ghost Investigation Tours with Interactive Paranormal Experience: $35

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
  • Exploring St. Louis with the Family Walking Tour: $214
  • 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
  • Saint Louis Brews and Views Half-Day Tour: $288
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $176
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $11
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampa $26
    Saint Louis $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:

  • Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
  • Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $40

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 Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Saint Louis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tampa or Saint Louis?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Saint Louis in the Summer?

Both Saint Louis and Tampa during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tampa is around the same temperature as Saint Louis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampa in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the summer, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Saint Louis. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Saint Louis. Tampa 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
    Tampa 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Saint Louis. The autumn months attract visitors to Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

In October, Tampa is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Louis. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampa 75°F (24°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Saint Louis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Saint Louis. The cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Additionally, 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. Tampa is much warmer than Saint Louis in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the winter, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in January than Saint Louis. Tampa 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
    Tampa 60°F (15°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Tampa or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Tampa is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during spring. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. In April, Tampa usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampa 71°F (22°C) 
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Tampa

Tampa Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°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 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 68°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)