A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Louis vs. Hope for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint Louis or Hope?

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 Hope. 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a small, friendly, and local town. It's also known for hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Saint Louis and Hope: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Hope?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Louis. Although Saint Louis and Hope are both popular with visitors, Saint Louis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Hope is known for its hiking. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also home to the Gateway Arch. Hope is popular for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Saint Louis different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Hope

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Saint Louis from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.


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

Saint Louis
Hope

Saint Louis is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Saint Louis. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Saint Louis or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Hope

Saint Louis is very good for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Saint Louis or Hope Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Hope

Hope 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 Hope. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Hope?

Saint Louis
Hope

Saint Louis is a great city for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Saint Louis or Hope Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Hope

Both Saint Louis and Hope are high quality 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, Hope is very family-friendly. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Is Saint Louis or Hope Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Hope

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

Couples visit Hope frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

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 Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Hope

Hope is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hope. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

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

Saint Louis
Hope

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

Visitors to Saint Louis can move around easily with public transportation. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Saint Louis or Hope a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Hope

Saint Louis is very good for its walkability. However, Hope is not known 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.

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.


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

Should I spend more time in Hope or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Hope?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis than Hope 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 Hope? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Hope 2-3

One day in Saint Louis or Hope?

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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the friendly town of Hope. 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 Hope?

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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the small destination of Hope. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Hope?

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.

The local town of Hope offers . 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 Hope?

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.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Hope. 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Hope 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
    Hope Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Hope $47

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Hope is $47. 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 Hope in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Hope $8.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Hope

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Hope? 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 Hope


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 Hope Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Hope -

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 Hope?

Prices for flights to both Hope 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
    Hope $38

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
    Hope -
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 Hope

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

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Hope $10

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

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 Hope Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Hope?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Hope, 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 Hope?

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 Hope in the Summer?

Both Hope and Saint Louis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hope in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Louis is much warmer than Hope in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Hope fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Hope. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Hope 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Hope in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Hope. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hope for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Hope. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Louis in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Hope averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Hope receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Hope. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Hope 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Hope in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Hope. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Hope because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hope can be very cold. Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. In January, Saint Louis is generally much colder than Hope. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 31°F (-1°C), and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Hope. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Hope. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Hope 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Hope in the Spring?

Both Hope and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Saint Louis is much warmer than Hope in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 58°F (15°C) in April, and Hope fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hope. It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hope. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Hope 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Hope and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Hope
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 3°C (37°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 5°C (41°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 7°C (44°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 9°C (49°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 15°C (60°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 15°C (59°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 10°C (51°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 6°C (43°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 3°C (37°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)