A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Saint Louis for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Saint Louis?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Saint Louis can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Louis

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

Tulum and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Saint Louis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Saint Louis are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. 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 Tulum different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Tulum and Saint Louis have fantastic landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

The museums and tourist attractions in Saint Louis are world-renowned. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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

Tulum 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, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Tulum has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. 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 Tulum or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Tulum for its luxury resorts. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

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

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Tulum offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Saint Louis Better for Hiking?

Tulum is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Saint Louis?

Both Tulum and Saint Louis are very good shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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 Tulum or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Saint Louis are very good to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

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 Tulum or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Tulum is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Saint Louis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Tulum or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Tulum is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Saint Louis. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Saint Louis 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the archeological town of Tulum. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 under rated 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 Tulum or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the archeological destination of Tulum. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Tulum or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lively town of Tulum. 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.

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 Tulum or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Tulum. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the under rated 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Saint Louis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Saint Louis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Saint Louis. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Saint Louis in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Saint Louis during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Saint Louis. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Louis averages at about 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Saint Louis. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Saint Louis in the Winter?

Both Saint Louis and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Louis. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Tulum is much warmer than Saint Louis in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Tulum