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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Atlantic City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint Louis and Atlantic City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Saint Louis and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Atlantic City. Although Saint Louis and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Atlantic City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Saint Louis is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Atlantic City is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality It is also home to Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. 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 Louis different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known 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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.


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

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Atlantic City can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Saint Louis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Saint Louis or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Atlantic City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Louis or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

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

There are plenty of resorts in Atlantic City to choose from. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Louis or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a good destination for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City offers a nice beach destination. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Atlantic City?

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

Saint Louis is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Louis is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Saint Louis or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

Saint Louis is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.


Is Saint Louis or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

Saint Louis and Atlantic City both good destinations for a couple.

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

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Saint Louis or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

Saint Louis is well known for its public transit. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.


Is Saint Louis or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Atlantic City

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

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint Louis or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Atlantic City. In our opinion, Atlantic City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Atlantic City than Saint Louis. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.


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

One day in Saint Louis or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glitzy city of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Atlantic City?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Saint Louis or Atlantic City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under rated destination of Saint Louis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

The flashy city of Atlantic City offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Atlantic City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Saint Louis. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Atlantic City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Atlantic City or Saint Louis?

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

  • Saint Louis Prices
    USA Prices
    Atlantic City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Atlantic City $190

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Atlantic City is $190. 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 Louis and Atlantic City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Atlantic City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Atlantic City $146
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Atlantic City

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Atlantic City? 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 Louis


Hotels in Atlantic City


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 Louis Hotel Prices and Atlantic City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Atlantic City $40

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 Louis or Atlantic City?

Prices for flights to both Atlantic City and Saint Louis 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 Louis $93
    Atlantic City $86

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 Louis $46
    Atlantic City $44
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

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

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

  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $29
  • Aces to Ashes: Apparitions of Atlantic City Boardwalk Ghost Tour: $31
  • EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $35
  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise: $35
  • OC Bay Hopper - Sunset Cruise: $35
  • 1 Hour Private Escape Room Experience in Ocean City: $36
  • 1-Hour Sea Rocket Sunset & OC Harbor Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $38
  • 45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD: $40
  • OC Bay Hopper Sunset Cruise Departs Downtown OC: $40
  • Assateague Horses, Herons and Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Ocean City Bay Hopper - Greene Turtle Lunch Cruise: $45
  • OC Bay Hopper - Happy Hour Cruise: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Atlantic City $39

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

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Atlantic City?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Atlantic City, 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 Louis or Atlantic City?

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 Louis or Atlantic City in the Summer?

Both Atlantic City and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. In July, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Atlantic City. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C)

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

Both Atlantic City and Saint Louis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Atlantic City. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Atlantic City. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atlantic City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In January, Saint Louis is generally cooler than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Atlantic City during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Atlantic City. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Atlantic City. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches during these months.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Atlantic City in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Atlantic City. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Atlantic City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm)