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

Should you visit Clearwater or Saint John?

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 Clearwater and Saint John. 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.

Where Should I go: Clearwater or Saint John?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Clearwater?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $192. 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 Clearwater and Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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 Clearwater


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Saint John $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $104
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $102
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $63
  • St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $127
  • St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $46
    Saint John $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Saint John $23

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $14
  • Clearwater; Aspirations Winery Tour and Tasting Experience: $21
  • Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphins and Donuts Morning Cruise: $28
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach : $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin and Sandbar Boat Cruise: $28
  • Sunset and Harbor Lights Cruise: $28
  • Tour with Dolphins and Sight Seeing: $29

Tours and Activities in Saint John

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

  • USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199
  • St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Saint John $44

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Saint John, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Saint John much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Clearwater is in North America and Saint John 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 Saint John would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint John 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Saint John.

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



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

Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Saint John in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Saint John. The summer months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Clearwater is around the same temperature as Saint John in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Saint John. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint John 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint John in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Saint John. The shopping scene are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

In the autumn, Clearwater is cooler than Saint John. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Saint John averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Saint John. Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Saint John. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint John in the Winter?

Both Saint John and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Clearwater is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Saint John. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint John in the Spring?

Both Saint John and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the spring for the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

Clearwater is cooler than Saint John in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Saint John. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Clearwater

Clearwater Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)