Kansas City vs St. Louis: A Midwest Showdown
Kansas City vs St Louis comes up often in conversations about the midwest. Having grown up in the Midwest and gone to high school just outside of St. Louis, I’ve spent plenty of time in both Kansas City and St. Louis.
These two Missouri cities are often compared, and for good reason—they’re both great, but in very different ways.
If you’re planning a trip or thinking about moving, it’s worth diving into what makes each place stand out. Let’s break down Kansas City vs St. Louis to see how they stack up.
The Vibe
Kansas City has a laid-back, friendly feel. It’s known for jazz, barbecue, and its love for the arts. People tend to be down-to-earth, and the pace is a little slower, which makes it feel relaxed. You’ll notice wide streets and lots of green spaces, giving the city a bit more breathing room. It’s also more spread out, so driving is the main way to get around.
St. Louis, on the other hand, feels a bit more fast-paced and urban. It’s got a mix of old-school charm with brick buildings and industrial spaces, alongside newer developments. While it’s also a friendly place, St. Louis has a more “city” vibe than Kansas City. It’s more compact, and the neighborhoods have distinct personalities, from the historic feel of Soulard to the hip, artsy vibe of the Central West End.
Food
When it comes to food, Kansas City is all about barbecue. It’s hard to talk about Kansas City without mentioning its world-famous barbecue. From burnt ends to ribs, the barbecue scene is top-notch. There are dozens of places to try, each with their own twist on smoky meats and sweet or spicy sauces. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Gates Bar-B-Q are a couple of local favorites. If you’re a meat lover, Kansas City will feel like home.
St. Louis also has its own unique food scene, but barbecue isn’t the star here. Instead, St. Louis is known for dishes like toasted ravioli, St. Louis-style pizza (with Provel cheese), and gooey butter cake. Imo’s Pizza is famous for its thin, crunchy crust and that polarizing Provel cheese. You’ll also find great Italian food in The Hill neighborhood, where family-owned Italian restaurants are everywhere.
Music & Arts
Both cities have strong music traditions, but they lean in different directions. Kansas City is known as the birthplace of jazz. There are still plenty of jazz clubs around, and the city celebrates its musical heritage with places like the American Jazz Museum. Art lovers will enjoy the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which is one of the largest in the region and has everything from ancient to modern works.
St. Louis, while it also has some jazz history, is more of a blues town. You can still catch live blues performances in clubs like BB’s Jazz, Blues, and Soups. The St. Louis Art Museum is another cultural highlight, and the best part? Admission is free. The St. Louis Symphony, one of the oldest in the country, is also a big draw for music lovers.
Sports
Sports are a big deal in both cities, but the fan bases and teams are a bit different.
Kansas City is all about the Kansas City Chiefs (football) and the Kansas City Royals (baseball). Chiefs fans are loud and proud, and game day at Arrowhead Stadium is an experience like no other. If you’re more into baseball, Royals fans bring their own kind of enthusiasm to Kauffman Stadium.
St. Louis, on the other hand, is a baseball town at heart. The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most successful teams in baseball history, and Busch Stadium is always packed with die-hard fans. If you grew up around St. Louis like I did, it’s hard not to get swept up in the Cardinal pride. St. Louis Blues hockey is also huge, with fans packing the Enterprise Center to cheer on their team. If you’re more of a football fan, though, St. Louis lost its NFL team (the Rams) in 2016, which Kansas City fans love to remind you of.
Weather
When it comes to weather, Kansas City and St. Louis are both typical Midwestern cities, which means you get all four seasons. But there are some differences.
Kansas City tends to be a bit drier than St. Louis. Winters can be cold and snowy, but the city isn’t known for getting hit with tons of snowstorms. Summers can be hot, but they don’t have as much humidity as St. Louis, which is a huge plus.
St. Louis is more humid, especially in the summer. If you’ve never experienced a St. Louis summer, imagine stepping outside and instantly feeling sticky. The heat can be intense, and the humidity makes it feel even hotter. Winters are similar to Kansas City’s, but you’ll likely see a bit more snow and ice.
Things to Do with Kids
Having grown up near St. Louis, I can tell you firsthand that it’s a great city for families. One of the best places to take kids is the St. Louis Zoo, which is free and one of the top zoos in the country. There’s also Forest Park, which is larger than Central Park in New York and has museums, trails, and playgrounds. My kids love the City Museum, a giant playground of recycled materials that’s part art, part jungle gym, and all fun.
Kansas City is also family-friendly, with attractions like the Kansas City Zoo and Science City, which is full of interactive exhibits for kids. Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life Aquarium are also big hits with families. In the summer, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a fun place to cool off.
Cost of Living
In the battle of Kansas City vs St. Louis, one area where they’re pretty similar is cost of living. Both are affordable compared to many other big cities.
You’ll find reasonably priced homes, and groceries, gas, and entertainment won’t break the bank. That said, Kansas City’s cost of living tends to be just a bit lower than St. Louis, especially when it comes to housing.
If affordability is a key factor for you, you can’t go wrong with either city, but Kansas City might give you a slight edge.
Downtown Scenes
Kansas City has been revitalizing its downtown in recent years. The Power and Light District is full of restaurants, bars, and live music venues, and it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. You’ll also find the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, where you can catch Broadway shows, concerts, and ballet performances.
St. Louis has a mix of historic and modern downtown. The Gateway Arch is its most iconic landmark, offering incredible views of the city from the top. Ballpark Village is a fun place to visit near Busch Stadium, filled with dining and entertainment options. The downtown area can feel quieter on non-game days, but it has some gems like the Citygarden sculpture park and the National Blues Museum.
Conclusion: Which is Right for You?
So, who wins the Kansas City vs St. Louis debate? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for.
Kansas City has a more relaxed feel, with its wide-open spaces, jazz heritage, and legendary barbecue. If you’re into football, live music, or art, it’s a great choice. It also tends to be a bit more affordable.
St. Louis offers a more bustling, urban vibe with deep baseball roots and plenty of free attractions for families. If you love hockey, history, or spending time in parks like Forest Park, you’ll feel right at home.
Both cities have their charm, and as someone who grew up near St. Louis, I may be a little biased—but in the end, you really can’t go wrong with either!
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