A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Saint John for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amsterdam or Saint John?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Saint John, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Amsterdam or Saint John?

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

Saint John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Amsterdam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is $248, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 Amsterdam and Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amsterdam $120
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amsterdam $240
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Saint John? 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 Amsterdam


Hotels in Saint John


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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amsterdam $23
    Saint John $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.75
  • Renting a Bike
    $18
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.05
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Amsterdam : $150
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Noordwijk: $140
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Utrecht: $271
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Zaandam: $116
  • AMS Schiphol Airport VIP Meet and Assist Pickup (with Hotel Private Transfer): $210
  • Airport Private Transfer: Schiphol Airport ↔ Amsterdam City: $150
  • Airport Transfer Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City: $138
  • Airport Transfer: Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport AMS by Luxury Car: $131
  • Airport Transfer: Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport AMS by Luxury Van: $107
  • Airport Transfer: Schiphol Airport AMS to Amsterdam by Luxury Van: $107
  • Airport or Port transfer Business Class (private car service) : $186
  • Airport or Port transfer First Class (private car service) : $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John and Amsterdam 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
    Amsterdam $94
    Saint John $97
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $7.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Bike Rental and Dinner or Lunch: $52
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $63
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Bens Local Food Tour - 8 Tastings: $78
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $94
  • Dutch Food Tour with local guide: $94
  • Amsterdam-West Food Tour with local guide: $102
  • Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amsterdam $44
    Saint John $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $7.04
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • The Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam: $3.59
  • The Classic Walking Tour of Amsterdam | 2 Hours with a Local: $3.59
  • Bill's Bike Tour - Rent a Flower Bike in Amsterdam: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Tour through its most famous Icons: $6.01
  • Amsterdam Center Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Red Light District Amsterdam Tour with Audioguide: $8.40
  • Amsterdam Interactive City Tour: $8.42
  • WW2 Jewish & Anne Frank Amsterdam Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Amsterdam's Red Light District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Volendam Marken Express Boat Cruise: $12

Tours and Activities in Saint John

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

  • St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amsterdam $28
    Saint John $44

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • City Centre Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $30
  • Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings : $78
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl With Optional Club Entrance: $84
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141


When comparing the travel costs between Amsterdam and Saint John, we can see that Amsterdam 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. Even though Amsterdam is in Europe and Saint John is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Saint John Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Amsterdam or Saint John?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Saint John in the Summer?

Both Saint John and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Saint John. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Saint John 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Saint John in the Autumn?

Both Saint John and Amsterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

Amsterdam is much colder than Saint John in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Saint John gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Saint John. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Saint John in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Saint John. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Saint John averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Saint John. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Saint John in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Saint John. The spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

In April, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Saint John. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Amsterdam

Amsterdam Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)