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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Saint Louis and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Columbia River Gorge. Although Saint Louis and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Columbia River Gorge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. It is also home to Vista House at Crown Point. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

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 Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge 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, Columbia River Gorge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Saint Louis and Columbia River Gorge.

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 Columbia River Gorge has a few options to choose from. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Louis is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit 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 Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Columbia River Gorge are great 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, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Columbia River Gorge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Saint Louis is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable city. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Columbia River Gorge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the natural destination of Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Saint Louis for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

The under rated destination of Saint Louis offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge, 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 Louis Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Columbia River Gorge. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

It's quite cold in Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. In January, Saint Louis is generally much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Saint Louis