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

Should you visit La Paz 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 La Paz 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.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See La Paz travel costs.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Saint Louis travel costs.

La Paz and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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 La Paz or Saint Louis?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Paz than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than La Paz, La Paz has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Paz is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. La Paz is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also well known for Balandra Beach. Saint Louis is famous for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is La Paz different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Paz
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Saint Louis are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.


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

La Paz
Saint Louis

La Paz 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, La Paz makes for a great culinary experience. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Saint Louis

Evening events are nice in both La Paz and Saint Louis.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

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.

Is La Paz or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Saint Louis

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

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is La Paz or Saint Louis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Saint Louis

La Paz is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Saint Louis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Saint Louis

La Paz is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

La Paz offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Saint Louis?

La Paz
Saint Louis

Both La Paz and Saint Louis are very good shopping destinations.

La Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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.


Is La Paz or Saint Louis Better for Families?

La Paz
Saint Louis

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

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Louis. 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 La Paz or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

La Paz
Saint Louis

Both La Paz and Saint Louis are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

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

Is La Paz or Saint Louis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Saint Louis

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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

La Paz
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is notable for its public transit. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Saint Louis can get you to some places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

La Paz has some public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Is La Paz or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

La Paz
Saint Louis

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

La Paz is very walkable. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Saint Louis?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.


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

One day in La Paz or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic city of La Paz. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in La Paz or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of La Paz. 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.

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Saint Louis?

The cultural city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting La Paz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis or La Paz?

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

  • La Paz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Saint Louis Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    La Paz $132
    Saint Louis $224

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $132, 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 La Paz and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $47
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $94
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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 La Paz


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $20
    Saint Louis $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $125
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $125
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis and La Paz 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
    La Paz $60
    Saint Louis $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
  • 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103

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.
    La Paz $11
    Saint Louis $46

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • Mural and Sculpture Art Tour at the Peace Center: $40
  • Coral Farm Snorkel Tour: $55
  • Pearl Farm Experience and shop: $65
  • Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $83
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • RZR Tour of Mogote Dunes and Sandboarding: $103
  • Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $105
  • holy spirit island tour: $108
  • La Paz Beaches Half Day Tour: $111
  • Holy Spirit Island Tour Sea Lions Snorkeling and Beach: $111
  • Most Popular Tour in La Paz Isla Espíritu Santo and Sea Lions: $122
  • Espiritu Santo Island Tour: $122

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:

  • Downtown St. Louis Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour App: $7.75
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • St. Louis Blues Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Enterprise Center: $13
  • Gateway Arch National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Saint Louis Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $17
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $17
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $27
  • St Louis Ghost Tours: Sinister Sins & Shadows Ghost Tour : $30
  • St. Louis Soulard True Crime Tour: Historic Murders & Gangsters: $30
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $11
    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 La Paz and Saint Louis, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.

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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz or Saint Louis in the Summer?

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

In July, La Paz is generally around the same temperature as Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), 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 La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis during summer. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Saint Louis. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene.

La Paz is much warmer than Saint Louis in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 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 La Paz this time of the year. In the autumn, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in October than Saint Louis. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Saint Louis in the Winter?

Both Saint Louis and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to La Paz 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 the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Saint Louis averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during winter. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Saint Louis. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Saint Louis in the Spring?

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

In April, La Paz is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), 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 La Paz. In the spring, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. La Paz gets 292 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. La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and La Paz

La Paz Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)