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

Should you visit Belfast or Saint John's?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Saint John's, 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: Belfast or Saint John's?

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.

One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.

Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John's or Belfast?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Saint John's is £178. 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 Belfast and Saint John's in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Saint John's £96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Saint John's £192
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Saint John's

Looking for a hotel in Belfast or Saint John's? 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 Belfast


Hotels in Saint Johns


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: Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Saint John's £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Business Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $106
  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $46
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Lisburn City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Departure Private Transfer Belfast to Belfast Airport BHD or BFS by Business Car: $91

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    £1.22
  • Taxi From Airport
    £5.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
  • Shared Roundtrip Taxi Transfer from Antigua Airport to Royalton Antigua Resort: $45
  • Private One-Way Antigua Airport Transfer To/From Antigua: $45
  • Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Airport (ANU): $50
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Airport (ANU) to St. John's Port: $50
  • Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $60
  • Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
  • Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $74
  • Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $78
  • Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Saint John's?

Prices for flights to both Saint John's and Belfast 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
    Belfast £51
    Saint John's £54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

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

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $82
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Saint John's £83
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $6.93
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22

Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

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


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    £2.40

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

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

  • Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
  • Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
  • Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
  • Stingray City Experience Antigua - ONLY TICKET: $73
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
  • Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
  • TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast £7.86
    Saint John's £14

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Saint John's, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Belfast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belfast is in Europe and Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Belfast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belfast 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 John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's than you might in Belfast.

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


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Saint John's?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Saint John's, 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 Belfast or Saint John's?

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

Should I visit Belfast or Saint John's in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Saint John's. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Belfast is much colder than Saint John's. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Saint John's averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 245 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Saint John's in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Saint John's. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.

In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Saint John's. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Saint John's. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Saint John's in the Winter?

Both Saint John's and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. Belfast is much colder than Saint John's in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Saint John's fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint John's. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint John's. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Saint John's in the Spring?

Both Saint John's and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round.

In the spring, Belfast is much colder than Saint John's. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint John's averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Saint John's. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 240 hours of full sun.

Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Saint John's. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John's and Belfast

Belfast Saint John's
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)