Comparison · Chicago vs St. Louis · United States
Chicago vs St. Louis
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: File:Chicago River ferry.jpg : John Picken derivative work: Georgfotoart, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Choose Chicago for Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and beaches; choose St. Louis for Gateway Arch, Forest Park, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. St. Louis is generally less expensive, and the two are about 422 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 422 km
- Less expensive
- St. Louis
- Best time for Chicago
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for St. Louis
- April–May and September–October
Side by side
| Chicago | St. Louis | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | United States |
| Known for | Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and The Bean (Cloud Gate) | Gateway Arch, Forest Park and Free museums |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | April–May and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $180–$290 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 0°C (32°F) | January, 4°C (39°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | North Avenue Beach | — |
| Airports | ORD, MDW | STL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Chicago for…
Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and beaches. Chicago spreads along the shore of Lake Michigan, with a downtown of landmark skyscrapers framed by the river and the lakefront parks. Most visitors base themselves in the Loop, River North or Streeterville and reach almost everything on foot or by the L…
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Choose St. Louis for…
Gateway Arch, Forest Park, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. St. Louis grew where the Missouri River joins the Mississippi, as a French fur-trading post and later the gateway for pioneers heading west, a role commemorated by the 192-metre Gateway Arch on the riverfront. Its greatest asset for visitors is Forest Park…
Top sights compared
| # | Chicago | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millennium Park and Cloud Gate | Gateway Arch |
| 2 | Art Institute of Chicago | Forest Park |
| 3 | Chicago Architecture Center river cruise | Saint Louis Zoo |
| 4 | Willis Tower Skydeck | Saint Louis Art Museum |
| 5 | 360 Chicago observation deck | Missouri History Museum |
Food compared
| Chicago | St. Louis |
|---|---|
| Deep-dish pizza | Toasted ravioli |
| Tavern-style thin-crust pizza | St. Louis-style pizza |
| Chicago-style hot dog | Gooey butter cake |
| Italian beef | Frozen custard concrete |
Which is cheaper?
St. Louis is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$290 per person there, against $250–$400 in Chicago (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). St. Louis on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Chicago and St. Louis are about 422 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Chicago and 3 in St. Louis.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Chicago or St. Louis cheaper?
St. Louis is usually less expensive: about $180–$290 a day mid-range against $250–$400 (estimates).
+Is Chicago or St. Louis better for a first trip?
Pick Chicago for Skyscraper architecture, Deep-dish pizza and beaches, or St. Louis for Gateway Arch, Forest Park, lower day-to-day costs and free sights.
+How far is Chicago from St. Louis?
About 422 km in a straight line.