A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Augustine vs. Hope for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Hope?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Hope, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a small, friendly, and local town. It's also known for hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Hope: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Hope?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Hope are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hope is known for its hiking. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Hope and is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. Hope is popular for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Saint Augustine different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Hope?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Saint Augustine specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.


Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Hope? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Saint Augustine or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine is very good for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Saint Augustine or Hope Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine is a great city for its beaches. However, Hope is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Hope is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Hope Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Hope does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Hope does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Hope Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Hope is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hope. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Hope?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine is a great city for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Augustine. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.


Is Saint Augustine or Hope More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Hope Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine and Hope are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hope is very family-friendly. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Is Saint Augustine or Hope Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine and Hope are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

Hope is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.


Is Saint Augustine or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Hope is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hope. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Hope is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Saint Augustine or Hope a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Hope

Saint Augustine is a great city for its walkability. However, Hope is not known for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.


For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Hope Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hope or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Hope?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Hope 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 Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Hope? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Hope 2-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The small destination of Hope offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Hope?

Saint Augustine is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The town of Hope offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Hope?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the notable destination of Saint Augustine. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hope is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Saint Augustine or Hope?

The colonial city of Saint Augustine offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Hope. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Hope or Saint Augustine?

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

  • Saint Augustine Prices
    USA Prices
    Hope Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Hope $47

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, while the average daily cost in Hope is $47. 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 Saint Augustine and Hope in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Hope $8.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Hope

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Hope? 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 Saint Augustine


Hotels in Hope


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Hope Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Hope -

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Hope?

Prices for flights to both Hope and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $85
    Hope $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $115
  • St. Augustine Historical FOOD Tour on Electric Cart with Pick Up : $129
  • The Ghoulish Gourmet Haunted Food Tour: $129
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Hope -

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour on Premium Golf Cart with PiCk Up : $39
  • 1 Hour Historical Tour of Saint Augustine Florida & FREE Parking: $36
  • 1 Hour Private Historical Tour of Saint Augustine, Florida : $250
  • 10:30pm Shadows of the Supernatural Tour : $25
  • 8pm Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours Dolphin Tails & History Cruise St Augustine : $38
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Bastions of St. Augustine Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99

Tours and Activities in Hope

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hope.

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Hope $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • St. Augustine Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Dark History Pub Crawl from Saint Augustine: $40
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Spirits with the Spirits haunted pub crawl - drinks included: $59
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Augustine and Hope, we can see that Saint Augustine is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Augustine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Augustine than you might in Hope.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Hope?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Hope, 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 Saint Augustine or Hope?

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 Saint Augustine or Hope in the Summer?

Both Hope and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hope because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Hope in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hope fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Hope. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Hope 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hope in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Hope. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hope this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Hope averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Hope receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Hope. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Hope 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hope in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Hope. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hope for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hope. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Hope. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Hope. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Hope 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Hope in the Spring?

Both Hope and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Hope in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Hope fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hope. In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Hope. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Hope 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Hope and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Hope
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 3°C (37°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 5°C (41°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 7°C (44°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 9°C (49°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 15°C (60°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 15°C (59°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 10°C (51°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 6°C (43°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 3°C (37°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)