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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Boulder?

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 Boulder. 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 unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for live music, food, and hiking. See Boulder travel costs.

Saint Louis and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Boulder?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boulder than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Boulder, Boulder has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boulder is very popular for its skiing, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Saint Louis is famous for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also well known for The Flatirons.

How is Saint Louis different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Louis or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

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

Saint Louis is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Saint Louis are world-renowned. 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.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Boulder can be difficult as they are each nice 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.

Boulder has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Saint Louis or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Saint Louis and Boulder.

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Saint Louis or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a good destination for live music. However, Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Saint Louis is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Louis or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Boulder?

Saint Louis is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Boulder to go shopping. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Saint Louis or Boulder More Beautiful?

Boulder is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Boulder Better for Families?

Saint Louis is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Saint Louis or Boulder Better for Couples?

Saint Louis and Boulder both nice 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.

Boulder makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Saint Louis or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is well known for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Many students visit Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

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

Saint Louis is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Boulder is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is Saint Louis or Boulder a more walkable city?

Saint Louis and Boulder both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Boulder. In our opinion, Boulder has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boulder than Saint Louis. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boulder 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 Boulder.

One day in Saint Louis or Boulder?

In Saint Louis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the nature-filled city of Boulder. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Boulder?

In Saint Louis, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Boulder. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Boulder?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The outdoorsy city of Boulder offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Louis. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Boulder. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Boulder, we can see that Boulder 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 Louis Expensive? and Is Boulder Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Boulder?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Boulder. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Boulder, 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.