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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod. 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 fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a maritime, beautiful, and peaceful beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Cape Cod is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food. See Cape Cod travel costs.

Saint Louis and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Cod than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Cod is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Cape Cod is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Also, Cape Cod is famous for The Cape Cod National Seashore. 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 Saint Louis different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Saint Louis is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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, Cape Cod makes for a great culinary experience. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Louis or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Saint Louis is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Saint Louis or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a good destination for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Louis or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

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

Many people visit Cape Cod for it's beautiful beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Louis or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod offers some nice hiking trails. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cape Cod and Saint Louis.

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.

Cape Cod is well-known for its shopping. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.


Is Saint Louis or Cape Cod More Beautiful?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cape Cod is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Both Saint Louis and Cape Cod are excellent family-friendly destinations.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cape Cod is very family-friendly. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Saint Louis or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

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

Couples visit Cape Cod frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Saint Louis is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Saint Louis or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Cape Cod

Saint Louis and Cape Cod both are notable 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.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

Both Saint Louis and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Saint Louis. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Cape Cod 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.


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

The city of Saint Louis offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. 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.


A weekend in Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach destination offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

A week in Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach destination.


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, Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Cape Cod $227

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Cape Cod is $227. 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 Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Cape Cod? 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 Cape Cod


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Cape Cod $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $103

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
    Cape Cod $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:

  • "StL's Best Sights and Bites" - Your Private Tour in St. Louis : $165
  • Downtown St. Louis Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour App: $7.75
  • Gateway Arch National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $17
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $17
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $27
  • Museum of Illusions St Louis Admission Ticket: $35
  • Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries): $129
  • Private Tour of The Hill, The "Little Italy" of Saint Louis: $165
  • Private Walking Tour of Saint Louis' Fascinating History: $159
  • Saint Louis Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

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

  • Moby Dick's New Bedford Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Provincetown SelfGuided Flaming Hot History GPSAudio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Provincetown Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Cape Cod & Provincetown Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $22
  • Lucinda Liphol Provincetown Cemetery Tour: $30
  • The Lucinda Liphol Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Provincetown West End History Tour : $38
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $46
  • The Pilgrim Monument Tour- From Harbor to Heights: $52
  • Highland House and Cape Cod Lighthouse Tour: $58
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park on Cape Cod: $63

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Cape Cod $19

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 Louis and Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Louis or Cape Cod?

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 Louis or Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Saint Louis during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In July, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cape Cod. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Cape Cod. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Cape Cod. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In the winter, Saint Louis is cooler than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Cape Cod. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint Louis or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cape Cod. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)