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

Should you visit Fortaleza or Saint John?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Saint John can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Saint John?

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, 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 Fortaleza and Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $30
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $60
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $21
    Saint John $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $180
  • 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Sedan Car: $88
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
  • Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $58
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Minivan: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer: Fortaleza City to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $88
  • Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $24
    Saint John $56

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

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.

  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
  • Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $14
  • Águas Belas Tour: $15
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $18
  • One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $18
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
  • The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22

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
  • USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.97
    Saint John $44


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

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



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

Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Saint John in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Saint John. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

In January, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Saint Johnin July. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Saint Johnin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Fortaleza or Saint John in the Autumn?

Both Saint John and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Saint John in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Saint Johnin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Saint John in the Winter?

Both Saint John and Fortaleza during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

In the winter, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint John averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Saint Johnin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Fortaleza or Saint John in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Saint John. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Saint Johnin April. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In October, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Saint Johnin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Fortaleza

Fortaleza Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)