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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a quaint, well-preserved, and historic town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Saint Louis and Williamsburg: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Saint Louis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Williamsburg is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Saint Louis is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Saint Louis on the map. 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.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.


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

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Williamsburg makes for a great culinary experience. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Saint Louis is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Saint Louis or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Williamsburg?

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Saint Louis or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

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

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg Better for Students?

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an amazing town to visit for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Is Saint Louis or Williamsburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Saint Louis is a great destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.


Is Saint Louis or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Williamsburg

Saint Louis is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable city. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

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

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

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


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

One day in Saint Louis or Williamsburg?

In Saint Louis, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this under rated city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming town of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Williamsburg?

Saint Louis is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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 Williamsburg?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The charming town of Williamsburg offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Williamsburg?

Saint Louis is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Williamsburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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, Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Williamsburg $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Williamsburg is $135. 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 Williamsburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Williamsburg $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Williamsburg $132
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Williamsburg

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Williamsburg? 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 Williamsburg


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 Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Williamsburg $11

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 Williamsburg?

Prices for flights to both Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $54

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
    Williamsburg $34
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 Williamsburg

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

  • Williamsburg Colonial Adventure: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Williamsburg's Famous Ghosts Self Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Yorktown Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Original Ghost of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour: $20
  • The Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Tour: $20
  • Williamsburg, VA: History of Slavery Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • Dark History Conspiracy Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • The Patriots Historical Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Williamsburg -

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 Williamsburg

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

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


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

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Williamsburg?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Williamsburg in the Summer?

Both Williamsburg and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In July, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during summer. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. In July, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Saint Louis during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Louis is around the same temperature as Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the autumn, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Williamsburg. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Williamsburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

Saint Louis usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg during winter. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Williamsburg. Additionally, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint Louis is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Louis often gets less sunshine than Williamsburg. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Williamsburg. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Williamsburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)