A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Louis vs. South Lake Tahoe for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

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 South Lake Tahoe. 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 unexpected, fascinating, and under rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Saint Louis travel costs.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a scenic, breathtaking, and idyllic town. The famous beauty of South Lake Tahoe is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See South Lake Tahoe travel costs.

Saint Louis and South Lake Tahoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in South Lake Tahoe. Although Saint Louis and South Lake Tahoe are popular destinations, South Lake Tahoe has more sights and attractions for tourists. South Lake Tahoe is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. South Lake Tahoe is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting. It is also well known for the Heavenly Gondola. Saint Louis is famous 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 South Lake Tahoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between South Lake Tahoe and Saint Louis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe Better for Skiing?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is well known for winter skiing. However, Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

South Lake Tahoe is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.

Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a good town for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Saint Louis are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

While most people don't head to South Lake Tahoe specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

Is the Food Better in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and South Lake Tahoe can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Saint Louis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

South Lake Tahoe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.

Is Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

South Lake Tahoe has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Resorts?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in South Lake Tahoe to choose from. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

South Lake Tahoe is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

South Lake Tahoe has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.


Is Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe More Beautiful?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of South Lake Tahoe is one of the main draws. The pristine lake and striking natural beauty can be appreciated any time of the year.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe Better for Families?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, South Lake Tahoe is very family-friendly. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Louis is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

South Lake Tahoe is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit South Lake Tahoe. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts the backpacker crowd.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

Saint Louis is a well-known place for its public transit. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Saint Louis can get you to some places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.

Is Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

South Lake Tahoe is very walkable. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.

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


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

Should I spend more time in South Lake Tahoe or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

In either Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than Saint Louis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 3-5 days is enough time in South Lake Tahoe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.


  • How many days in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    South Lake Tahoe 3-5

One day in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find food and shopping around the under rated destination of Saint Louis. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the idyllic town of South Lake Tahoe. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find shopping and museums around the unexpected city of Saint Louis. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of South Lake Tahoe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic town of South Lake Tahoe. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting South Lake Tahoe. 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, South Lake Tahoe 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
    South Lake Tahoe Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    South Lake Tahoe $146

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in South Lake Tahoe is $146. 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 South Lake Tahoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    South Lake Tahoe $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    South Lake Tahoe $108
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and South Lake Tahoe

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe? 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 South Lake Tahoe


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 South Lake Tahoe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    South Lake Tahoe $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $125
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $125
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

Prices for flights to both South Lake Tahoe 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
    South Lake Tahoe $66

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in South Lake Tahoe

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in South Lake Tahoe.

  • Persian Cooking Class with Private Chef: $120
  • Lake Tahoe Evening Dinner Cruise: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    South Lake Tahoe $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Louis for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Downtown St. Louis Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour App: $7.75
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • St. Louis Blues Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Enterprise Center: $13
  • Gateway Arch National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Saint Louis Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $17
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $17
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $27
  • St Louis Ghost Tours: Sinister Sins & Shadows Ghost Tour : $30
  • St. Louis Soulard True Crime Tour: Historic Murders & Gangsters: $30
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in South Lake Tahoe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for South Lake Tahoe are as follows:

  • Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Lake Tahoe: Full Day Self-Guided Bike Tour: $69
  • Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour including Squaw Valley: $70
  • Sunset Kayak Experience in South Lake Tahoe: $75
  • Sunset Kayak Tour in Tahoe City: $75
  • Virginia City Day Tour From Lake Tahoe with Train Ride: $80
  • Lake Tahoe's West Shore Best Shore Kayak Tour: $80
  • Scenic and Wild Nature tour in South Lake Tahoe: $85
  • Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail 2-Hour Self-Guided E-Bike Tour: $90
  • Scenic Sunset Snowshoe Tour: $99
  • Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise: $99
  • Lake Tahoe: Daytime Scenic Cruise: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    South Lake Tahoe $34

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 South Lake Tahoe

Also in South Lake Tahoe, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Scavenger Adventure and Lake Tahoe Bar Crawl: $15
  • Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Louis and South Lake Tahoe, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. And not only is South Lake Tahoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to South Lake Tahoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.

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 South Lake Tahoe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or South Lake Tahoe?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and South Lake Tahoe, 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.