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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma. 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.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a serene, relaxing, and scenic county. The famous beauty of Sonoma is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Sonoma travel costs.

Saint Louis and Sonoma: 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
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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 Sonoma?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sonoma than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sonoma is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions. Sonoma is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. Also, Sonoma is famous for Buena Vista 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 Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Sonoma

Saint Louis is terrific for its historical sights. However, Sonoma 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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.


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

Saint Louis
Sonoma

Sonoma is an amazing county 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 Sonoma, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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 Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Sonoma

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

Sonoma is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

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 Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
Sonoma

Sonoma is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sonoma to choose from. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Louis or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Saint Louis
Sonoma

Sonoma is well known for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Sonoma for it's beautiful beaches. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Louis or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Sonoma

Sonoma 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 Sonoma. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Sonoma?

Saint Louis
Sonoma

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sonoma 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.

Sonoma is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.


Is Saint Louis or Sonoma More Beautiful?

Saint Louis
Sonoma

Sonoma is an amazing county to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Sonoma is one of the main draws. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene beauty.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Sonoma Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Sonoma

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

Sonoma is a family-friendly place to visit. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Saint Louis or Sonoma Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Sonoma

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

Sonoma is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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

Saint Louis
Sonoma

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

Saint Louis offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Saint Louis or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Sonoma

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma 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.

Sonoma is not a walkable city. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

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

Should I spend more time in Sonoma or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Sonoma?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Sonoma. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sonoma 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 2-4 days is enough time in Sonoma.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sonoma than Saint Louis if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sonoma.


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Sonoma? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Sonoma 2-4

One day in Saint Louis or Sonoma?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing county of Sonoma. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. 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 Sonoma?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the serene destination of Sonoma. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This county 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 Sonoma?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The relaxing county of Sonoma offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Sonoma?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under rated destination of Saint Louis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sonoma. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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, Sonoma 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
    Sonoma Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Sonoma $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Sonoma is $260. 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 Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Sonoma? 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 Sonoma


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 Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Sonoma $134

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 Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma 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
    Sonoma $96

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
    Sonoma $16
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 Sonoma

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

  • Sonoma Plaza Walking Tour: $109
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $135
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $137
  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $340

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Sonoma $41

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 Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Sonoma?

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

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 Sonoma in the Summer?

Both Sonoma 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 Sonoma because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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


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

Should I visit Saint Louis or Sonoma in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Sonoma. 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 Sonoma this time of year.

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

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


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

Should I visit Saint Louis or Sonoma in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Sonoma. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sonoma 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 Sonoma. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Sonoma averages at about 46°F (8°C).

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


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

Should I visit Saint Louis or Sonoma in the Spring?

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

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Sonoma
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)