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

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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: Fort Lauderdale or Saint John?

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, not far from Miami, and is famous for its beaches and boating culture. An elaborate system of canals runs through the city, adding to the charm and coastal lifestyle. Plenty of restaurants, shops, watersports, and other things to do can be found here in addition to the beautiful beaches. The city is family-friendly and also caters to older travelers as well as younger generations. While it's not an inexpensive place to visit, the prices are on par with other cities in southeastern Florida. The beach is lined with high-rise condos and hotels that tend to be expensive, while a few blocks back from the shore you'll find plenty of nice houses along with shops, restaurants, and fun activities for all ages. And since Fort Lauderdale is part of the Miami metro area, you can easily get to all of the other beach areas, cities, and activities in the nearby metropolitan areas as well.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, 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 Fort Lauderdale and Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $96
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $192
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $51
    Saint John $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Fort Lauderdale Airport Private Transfer to Port Everglades: $160
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Fort Lauderdale in Business Car: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Fort Lauderdale in Luxury SUV: $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Hollywood Beach in Business Car : $71
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Airport FLL to Hollywood Beach in Luxury Car: $115
  • Bimini Day Cruise from Fort Lauderdale with Round-Trip Miami Transfer: $259
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fort Lauderdale to Airport FLL in Business Car: $79
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Doral hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $49
    Saint John $56
Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale

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


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Food Tour in Lauderdale By The Sea: $60
  • Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $99
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $15
    Saint John $23

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Audio Walking Tour of Las Olas Riverwalk: $7.31
  • Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk Self-guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Davie by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale: $24
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale (arrive 30 minutes early): $25
  • Ghosts and Ghouls Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter: $29
  • Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale: $31
  • Carrie B Cruises! Beautiful and Fun THE VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!!!: $32
  • Millionaire's Homes and Megayachts Cruise: $36

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
    Fort Lauderdale $33
    Saint John $44
Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Guided Happy Hour Bar Crawl by Beer Bike: $64
  • Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale: $74
  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $74


When comparing the travel costs between Fort Lauderdale and Saint John, we can see that Saint John 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 Fort Lauderdale is in North America 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Saint John Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint John?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Saint John in the Summer?

Both Saint John and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Saint John. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C) 
    Saint John 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint John in the Autumn?

Both Saint John and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint John averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Saint John gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint John. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint John in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Saint John. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally cooler than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Saint John. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Saint John in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Saint John. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

Fort Lauderdale is cooler than Saint John in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in April than Saint John. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)