A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Martha's Vineyard for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard. 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Saint Louis and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard 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, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Louis is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is well known for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Shopping is a popular activity in both Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is well-known for its shopping. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.


Is Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Martha's Vineyard is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Louis is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Louis. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Louis is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Martha's Vineyard

Saint Louis and Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Martha's Vineyard. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Martha's Vineyard than Saint Louis. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Saint Louis than Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard than Saint Louis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the under rated city of Saint Louis, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under rated destination of Saint Louis. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Because Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Martha's Vineyard $285

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $285. 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 Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Marthas Vineyard


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 Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Martha's Vineyard $83

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 Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $104

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
    Martha's Vineyard $30
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 Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Edgartown Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Discovering Oak Bluffs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Martha Vineyard Bus Tour: $60
  • Best 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • Martha's Vineyard: All Island Tour: $70
  • All Island Bus Tour: $75
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120
  • All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Martha's Vineyard $22

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 Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. And not only is Saint Louis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Louis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Louis 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 Martha's Vineyard would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Martha's Vineyard than you might in Saint Louis.

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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard 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. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

In July, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Martha's Vineyard, 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 Martha's Vineyard. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 293 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Martha's Vineyard. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Martha's Vineyard. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In the winter, Saint Louis is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Martha's Vineyard. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Martha's Vineyard receives 170 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Martha's Vineyard. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

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

In April, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Martha's Vineyard receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)


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