A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Saint Louis for Attractions, Families, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Ocean City or Saint Louis?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Saint Louis? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Ocean City and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Saint Louis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ocean City than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ocean City is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Also, Ocean City is famous for the Ocean City boardwalk. 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 Ocean City different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Saint Louis on the map. 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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Saint Louis both to be notable destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ocean City area. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Saint Louis. 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 Ocean City or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Ocean City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ocean City to choose from. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Ocean City for it's beautiful beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Ocean City is an amazing city 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, Ocean City is very family-friendly. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ocean City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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 Ocean City 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. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Ocean City or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Saint Louis is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ocean City and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Saint Louis. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ocean City than Saint Louis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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.

One day in Ocean City or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Ocean City. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the unexpected 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 Ocean City or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the laid back destination of Ocean City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Ocean City or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic city of Ocean City. 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, 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 Ocean City or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Ocean City and Saint Louis, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Saint Louis?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Saint Louis. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocean City is around the same temperature as Saint Louis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 81°F (27°C).

Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Saint Louis. The autumn months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

In October, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Saint Louis. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Saint Louis in the Winter?

Both Saint Louis and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. Ocean City is much warmer than Saint Louis in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches.

In the spring, Ocean City is cooler than Saint Louis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 58°F (15°C).

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocean City usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Ocean City