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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Victoria?

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 Victoria. 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a scenic, relaxing, and cultural city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Victoria travel costs.

Saint Louis and Victoria: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Victoria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Victoria than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Victoria is better known for its hiking, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Victoria is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks. Also, Victoria is famous for Butchart Gardens. 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 Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Victoria

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.


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

Saint Louis
Victoria

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Victoria can be difficult as they are each notable 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.

Victoria has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Saint Louis or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Victoria

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Saint Louis and Victoria.

Saint Louis has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Victoria has a few options to choose from. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Saint Louis or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Saint Louis
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Victoria offers some nice hiking trails. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Victoria?

Saint Louis
Victoria

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Saint Louis or Victoria Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Victoria

Both Saint Louis and Victoria are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Victoria is very family-friendly. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is Saint Louis or Victoria Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Victoria

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

Couples visit Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

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 Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Victoria

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler 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 Victoria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
Victoria

Saint Louis is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Saint Louis or Victoria a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Victoria

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

Victoria is very walkable. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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 Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria 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 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Victoria 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 Victoria.


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

One day in Saint Louis or Victoria?

The city of Saint Louis offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing city of Victoria. 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 Victoria?

Saint Louis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint Louis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Victoria. This city 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 Victoria?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The relaxing city of Victoria 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.


A week in Saint Louis or Victoria?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria 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
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $201. 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 Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Victoria? 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 Victoria


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 Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Victoria $37

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
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $125
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

Also for Victoria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $130
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $289
  • Private Cruise Transfer with City Sightseeing Tour: $682

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria 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
    Victoria $47

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 Victoria

For Victoria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $86
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $88
  • Vistas and Views Food Tour with 3-Course Meal: $100
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $144
  • Gourmet Dinner Tour Including Local Beer, Wine and City Highlights: $219

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Louis $46
    Victoria $45
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 Victoria

For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 2.5-Hour: $5.02
  • Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $15
  • Iconic & Obscure Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Walking Tour through History and Heritage: $17
  • Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square: $17
  • Halloween Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $17
  • Royal B.C. Museum in Full-Day Admission Ticket: $21
  • Axe Throwing Experience: $24
  • Heritage Horse-Drawn Carriage Experience in Victoria: $26
  • Malahat SkyWalk Tickets: $32
  • Upper Gorge Waterway Paddle Boarding Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Victoria $16

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 Victoria

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

  • Victoria BC: Tour & Tasting Around Award Winning Distillery: $21
  • Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $52
  • Local Brewery Tour with a Guide: $86
  • Victoria, BC: Food & Wine Tour to the Cowichan Valley: $118
  • 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour: $126
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $132
  • Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour : $143
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Victoria, we can see that Saint Louis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Victoria?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Victoria, 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 Victoria?

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 Victoria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Victoria. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

In July, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Saint Louis is a little warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Victoria. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Saint Louis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Victoria can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Victoria gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Victoria.

In April, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Victoria. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)