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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Saint Louis and Winnipeg: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Winnipeg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Saint Louis than Winnipeg. While Winnipeg is larger than Saint Louis, Saint Louis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Louis is more touristy than Winnipeg and is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also well known for the Gateway Arch. Winnipeg is famous for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Saint Louis different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis
Winnipeg

Saint Louis is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Saint Louis are world-renowned. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Winnipeg. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.


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

Saint Louis
Winnipeg

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint Louis and Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Saint Louis or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Winnipeg

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

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 Winnipeg has a few options to choose from. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Winnipeg?

Saint Louis
Winnipeg

Saint Louis is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Saint Louis is well-known for its shopping. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Many visitors go to Winnipeg to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Saint Louis or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Winnipeg

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

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.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Saint Louis or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Winnipeg

Saint Louis and Winnipeg both nice destinations for a couple.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Winnipeg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

Is Saint Louis or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Louis
Winnipeg

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Saint Louis
Winnipeg

Saint Louis is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Saint Louis can get you around easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Saint Louis or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Winnipeg

Saint Louis is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.

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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Winnipeg?

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

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


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

One day in Saint Louis or Winnipeg?

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 friendly city of Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg?

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 cultural destination of Winnipeg. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Louis or Winnipeg?

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 cultural city of Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Louis $224
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $224, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg


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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Winnipeg -

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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
    Winnipeg $9.33

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
    Winnipeg $2.52
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 Winnipeg

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

  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Wonderful 3 Smartphone Audio Guided Walking Tours: $14
  • Winnipeg's Outdoor Secret Agent Audio Experience: $15

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

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 comparing the travel costs between Saint Louis and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg in the Summer?

Both Winnipeg 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Winnipeg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Louis is a little warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Louis in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 21°C (71°F).

In Winnipeg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Winnipeg. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Winnipeg. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

In October, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 60°F (16°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Winnipeg in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Winnipeg. It's quite cold in Saint Louis in the winter. Saint Louis is much warmer than Winnipeg in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 31°F (-1°C) in January, and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Winnipeg. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in January than Winnipeg. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Saint Louis is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Louis in April average around 58°F (15°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Winnipeg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)