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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Saint Louis

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

Cocoa Beach and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cocoa Beach is better known for its food, resorts, and beaches, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Also, Cocoa Beach is famous for the Kennedy Space Center. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.


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

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

Cocoa Beach 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, Cocoa Beach makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Saint Louis.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cocoa Beach. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

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 Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

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

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

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

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for it's beautiful beaches. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis?

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

Cocoa Beach is an amazing beach town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

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 Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

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

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples 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 Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Saint Louis offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

You'll find some public transit in Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

Is Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Saint Louis

Cocoa Beach and Saint Louis are notable when it comes to walkability.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable beach town. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

Saint Louis is somewhat walkable. 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 Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Saint Louis. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. 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.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The under rated city of Saint Louis offers shopping and museums. 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.


A week in Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. 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.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis or Cocoa Beach?

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

  • Cocoa Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Saint Louis Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Saint Louis $224

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



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

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach


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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Saint Louis $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Port Canaveral: $295

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 Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach $75
    Saint Louis $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

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

  • 3 Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

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.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Saint Louis $46

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Palm Bay by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • 2 Hr Dolphin & Manatee River Cruise . Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,Fl. : $30
  • Brevard County Tours, dolphin and manatee tours in Palm Bay, FL: $40
  • 1-Hour Virtual Reality Experience Skull & Books VR - Cocoa Beach: $45
  • Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: $48
  • Cocoa Beach Sunset Tour: $48
  • Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: $48
  • Sunset Cruise: $48
  • Dolphin Eco Cruise Nature Adventure in Cocoa Beach: $49
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $49
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Manatee & Dolphin Sightings: $50
  • Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour: $50

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
    Cocoa Beach $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 Cocoa Beach and Saint Louis, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is Cocoa Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cocoa Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.

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


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis in the Summer?

Both Saint Louis and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Saint Louis. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Saint Louis. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Saint Louis. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach 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. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Saint Louis in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in January than Saint Louis. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.


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

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)