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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Saint Louis. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • 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 Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Saint Louis are both popular with visitors, Blue Ridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Blue Ridge is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums and attractions. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Chattahoochee National Forest. 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 Blue Ridge different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


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

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

Blue Ridge 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, Blue Ridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Saint Louis.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

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.

Is Blue Ridge or Saint Louis Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Blue Ridge and Saint Louis.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Saint Louis is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Is Blue Ridge or Saint Louis More Beautiful?

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

Blue Ridge is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Blue Ridge or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

Both Blue Ridge and Saint Louis are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Saint Louis is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Blue Ridge or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

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

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge or Saint Louis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.


Is Blue Ridge or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Saint Louis

Blue Ridge and Saint Louis are good when it comes to walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Saint Louis. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the under rated city of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis or Blue Ridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Blue Ridge Prices
    USA Prices
    Saint Louis Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Blue Ridge $150
    Saint Louis $224

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $150, while the average daily cost in Saint Louis is $224. 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 Blue Ridge and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    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 - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $125
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and Blue Ridge 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
    Blue Ridge $61
    Saint Louis $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Louis.

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show - St. Louis, MO: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Saint Louis $46

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

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

  • Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour With Paranormal Investigation: $20
  • Helen’s Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour: $26
  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $29
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

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:

  • "StL's Best Sights and Bites" - Your Private Tour in St. Louis : $165
  • Downtown St. Louis Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour App: $7.75
  • Gateway Arch National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $17
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $17
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $27
  • Museum of Illusions St Louis Admission Ticket: $35
  • Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries): $129
  • Private Tour of The Hill, The "Little Italy" of Saint Louis: $165
  • Private Walking Tour of Saint Louis' Fascinating History: $159
  • Saint Louis Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Saint Louis, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

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


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Saint Louis in the Summer?

Both Saint Louis and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

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

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Saint Louis. Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Saint Louis. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Saint Louis. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Saint Louis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Saint Louis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Saint Louis. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Saint Louis. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Saint Louis. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Saint Louis in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 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. It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Louis. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)