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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Saint Louis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Saint Louis, 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. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • 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 Saint Augustine or Saint Louis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Saint Louis are both popular with visitors, Saint Augustine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Augustine is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums and attractions. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also home to the Colonial Quarter. 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 Saint Augustine different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis?

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Saint Louis that are not to be missed. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Augustine. 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.


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

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

Saint Augustine 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, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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 Saint Augustine or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Saint Louis has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

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

Many people visit Saint Augustine for it's beautiful 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.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Saint Louis Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

Saint Augustine is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Saint Louis?

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

Shopping is a popular activity in both Saint Louis and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Saint Louis is well-known for its shopping. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Is Saint Augustine or Saint Louis More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

Saint Augustine is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Saint Augustine or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

Saint Augustine and Saint Louis are both great 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, 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 Saint Augustine or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

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

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.

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

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a great destination for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 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.


Is Saint Augustine or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Saint Louis

Saint Augustine is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Saint Louis?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis. 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 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 Saint Augustine.


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

One day in Saint Augustine or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial city of Saint Augustine. 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.

The under rated destination of Saint Louis offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Saint Augustine. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The city of Saint Louis offers food and shopping. 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 Saint Louis?

The historic city of Saint Augustine offers shopping and museums. 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.

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. 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. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis 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
    Saint Louis Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Augustine $195
    Saint Louis $224

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $195, 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 Saint Augustine and Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Saint Louis $26

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 Saint Augustine or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis 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
    Saint Louis $93

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
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Historical Walking Food Tour: $139

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.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Saint Louis $46

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

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

  • St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Self-Guided Haunted Ghost Walking Audio Tour in St. Augustine: $9.75
  • Historic St Augustine Audio Self Guided App GPS Tour: $9.75
  • St. Augustine City Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $15
  • Haunting Hour Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Historic Museum Tour Ticket: $19
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Walking Guided History Tour of Old St. Augustine: $25
  • Castillo after Dark 1 Hour Guided Exterior Tour: $25
  • Wraiths of the Watchtower: Sinister St. Augustine Ghost Tour: $26
  • Guardian Angels of St. Augustine Walking Tour: $27

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
    Saint Augustine $25
    Saint Louis $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $27
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63
  • Mobile Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Tour St. Augustine: $129

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 comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Saint Louis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Saint Louis?

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

Both Saint Louis and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Saint Louis in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Saint Louis during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

Both Saint Louis and Saint Augustine during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 60°F (16°C).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the autumn, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Louis. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 203 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint Louis. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Saint Louis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Saint Louis. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In January, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Saint Louis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Saint Louis. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Saint Louis in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Saint Louis. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)