A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. Napa Valley for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint Louis or Napa Valley?

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 Napa Valley. 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.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a scenic, picturesque, and idyllic area. The famous beauty of Napa Valley is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Napa Valley travel costs.

Saint Louis and Napa Valley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Napa Valley?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Napa Valley than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Napa Valley, Napa Valley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Napa Valley is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions. Napa Valley is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its world class wineries and beautiful countryside. Also, Napa Valley is famous for Louis M. Martini Winery. 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 Napa Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Saint Louis is terrific for its historical sights. However, Napa Valley 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.

Napa Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time visiting vineyards, but there are a couple of local museums and galleries in the area that are worth checking out.


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

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Napa Valley, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's most known for its world-class wine, but Napa Valley is also filled with Michelin starred restaurants and charming local eateries. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or something more upscale, there is no shortage of options. Most places take advantage of local ingredients that are very fresh. Menus change regularly and seasonal ingredients are common. And, of course, you'll find a wide selection of local wines.

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 Napa Valley Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Napa Valley is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. In the evening, visitors will enjoy the area's live music scene, theaters, and bars. There are also plenty of wine bars where you can continue to enjoy local wines.

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.

Is Saint Louis or Napa Valley Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley. There are a number of state parks in the area, and there are also trails that pass by vineyards. Some of the best hiking trails are found in Alston Park, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or Las Posadas State Forest.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Napa Valley?

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Shopping is a popular activity in both Napa Valley 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.

Napa Valley is well-known for its shopping. There are many interesting local boutiques in the different towns. You'll find shops selling clothing, jewelry, local items, and gifts. Some of the best shopping is found along First Street in downtown Napa.

Is Saint Louis or Napa Valley More Beautiful?

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Napa Valley is one of the main draws. It is filled with rows of vineyards, classic chateaus, and picturesque settings, which make this a beautiful destination to explore.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Napa Valley Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Saint Louis is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Napa Valley is not as popular, but is still a nice area 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.

Napa Valley is a family-friendly place to visit. Vineyards and wine tasting may be what comes to mind for most travelers in Napa Valley, but those visiting with kids will appreciate the hiking trails, markets, and outdoor activities.


Is Saint Louis or Napa Valley Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Napa Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's long been considered a favorite honeymoon destination for newly-weds. The scenic vineyards and charming hotels make this the perfect couple's destination, whether you're celebrating an anniversary or simply want some time away together.

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

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Saint Louis is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Napa Valley 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 limited or non-existant in Napa Valley. Public transit in the area is limited but within the city of Napa there are buses operated by the Vine Transit.

Is Saint Louis or Napa Valley a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Napa Valley

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Napa Valley is not known for its walkability.

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

Napa Valley is not a walkable city. The vineyards are spread out and require a car or bike to access.


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

Should I spend more time in Napa Valley or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Napa Valley?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Napa Valley. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Napa Valley due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 1-4 days is enough time in Napa Valley.

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


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Napa Valley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Napa Valley 1-4

One day in Saint Louis or Napa Valley?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Saint Louis. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic area of Napa Valley. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Napa Valley?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. This city 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Napa Valley. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This area 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 Napa Valley?

The under rated city of Saint Louis offers shopping and museums. 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.

The idyllic area of Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Louis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Napa Valley. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the food. 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, Napa Valley 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
    Napa Valley Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Napa Valley $333

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Napa Valley is $333. 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 Napa Valley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Napa Valley $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Napa Valley $252
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Napa Valley

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Napa Valley? 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 Napa Valley


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 Napa Valley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Napa Valley $183

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 Napa Valley?

Prices for flights to both Napa Valley 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
    Napa Valley $108

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
    Napa Valley $28
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 Napa Valley

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

  • Self-Guided Napa Art Walking Tour: $9.00
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour Around Bodega Head : $9.99
  • Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $25
  • Napa Valley & Sonoma Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $25
  • Napa Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Snob Free Sonoma Plaza Walking Experience: $109
  • Safari West Sonoma Adventure Tour: $110
  • Napa Valley Daily Join In Group Wineries Tour Including Lunch: $125
  • Napa Valley Wine Trolley Castle Tour: $135
  • Sonoma Valley Open Air Wine Trolley Tour: $135
  • Napa Valley Wine Trolley Classic Tour: $135
  • Half Day Bike Tour: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Napa Valley $66

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Napa Valley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Napa Valley:

  • Guided Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $137
  • ATV Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $150
  • ATV Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $155
  • Intro to Wine Tasting with Napa Sommelière : $156
  • #1 Sonoma Walking Food, Wine Tasting & History Tour (Public Tour): $179
  • Healdsburg Cycling Wine Tour : $199
  • Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour | 6-8hr Private Fully Customized.*XL SUV: $250


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and Napa Valley, we can see that Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Napa Valley?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Napa Valley. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Napa Valley, 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 Napa Valley?

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 Napa Valley in the Summer?

Both Napa Valley and Saint Louis during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Napa Valley because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Napa Valley, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Napa Valley. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Napa Valley receives 439 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Napa Valley. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Napa Valley 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Napa Valley in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Napa Valley. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Napa Valley this time of year.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Napa Valley in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Napa Valley fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Napa Valley this time of the year. In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Napa Valley during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Napa Valley receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Napa Valley. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Napa Valley 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Napa Valley in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Napa Valley. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Napa Valley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saint Louis in the winter. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Napa Valley. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Napa Valley averages at about 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Napa Valley. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Napa Valley receives 149 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Napa Valley. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Napa Valley 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Napa Valley in the Spring?

Both Napa Valley and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Napa Valley in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Napa Valley. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Napa Valley fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Napa Valley. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Napa Valley during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Napa Valley receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Napa Valley. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Napa Valley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Napa Valley 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Napa Valley and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Napa Valley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)