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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Duck?

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 Duck. 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.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Duck is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food. See Duck travel costs.

Saint Louis and Duck: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Duck?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Duck. Although Saint Louis and Duck are both popular with visitors, Duck has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Duck is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Duck is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. It is also home to the wide sandy beach. 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 Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Duck

Saint Louis is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


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

Saint Louis
Duck

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Duck 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.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Saint Louis or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Duck

Saint Louis is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Louis. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Saint Louis or Duck Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Duck

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

Duck has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Louis or Duck Better for Beaches?

Saint Louis
Duck

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Duck offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Louis or Duck Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Duck

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

Duck offers some nice hiking trails. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Duck?

Saint Louis
Duck

Shopping is a popular activity in both Duck 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.

Duck is well-known for its shopping. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.


Is Saint Louis or Duck More Beautiful?

Saint Louis
Duck

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

Duck is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Duck Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Duck

Both Saint Louis and Duck are superb 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, Duck is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Saint Louis or Duck Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Duck

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

Couples visit Duck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
Duck

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is Saint Louis or Duck a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Duck

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Duck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Duck or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Duck?

Both Saint Louis and Duck have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck 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 Duck.

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

Couples should spend more time in Duck than Saint Louis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Duck 5-7

One day in Saint Louis or Duck?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Duck?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Duck 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 town 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 Duck?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under rated destination of Saint Louis. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Even though Duck 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 Duck?

The unexpected city of Saint Louis offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Duck 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. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.


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, Duck 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
    Duck Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Duck $221

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Duck is $221. 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 Duck in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Duck $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Duck $214
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Duck

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Duck? 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 Duck


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
    Duck $66

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 Duck?

Prices for flights to both Duck 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
    Duck $78

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
    Duck $13
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 Louis $19
    Duck $45

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 Duck, 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 Duck Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Duck?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 570 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Duck, 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 Duck?

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 Duck in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Duck. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Duck in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Duck fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Duck during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Duck. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Duck 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Duck in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Duck. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Duck in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Duck. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Duck averages at about 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Duck. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in October than Duck. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Duck 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Duck in the Winter?

Both Duck and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Duck can be very cold during winter. Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint Louis is generally much colder than Duck. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Duck fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Duck during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Duck receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Duck. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Duck 41°F (5°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Duck in the Spring?

Both Duck and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Duck in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Duck fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Duck. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Duck receives 253 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 Duck. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Duck receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Duck 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Duck and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Duck
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)