Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Gainesville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Gainesville or Saint Croix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Saint Croix, 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: Gainesville or Saint Croix?
Gainesville
Home to the University of Florida as well as Santa Fe College, the town of Gainesville has all of the shopping, entertainment, and restaurants that you could want in a college town - plus easy access to a number of outdoor adventures from canoeing, diving, and kayaking to birding, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some of the top features include the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.
Saint Croix
Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.
This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGainesville $221Saint Croix $236
The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $221, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $236. 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 Gainesville and Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGainesville $119Saint Croix $149
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGainesville $238Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Gainesville or Saint Croix? 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.
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: Gainesville Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gainesville $40Saint Croix $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:
- Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $49
- Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $49
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $71
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $71
- St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $109
- Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $109
- Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $164
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $218
- St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $218
Is it cheaper to fly into Gainesville or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Gainesville 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 dayGainesville $70Saint Croix $56
Typical Food Prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:
-
Diner Breakfast for Two$17
-
Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)$24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.
- A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
- Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $129
- C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gainesville $44Saint Croix $58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:
-
Manatee Tour for Two$98
-
Tour Guide Tip$5.00
Tours and Activities in Gainesville
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Gainesville are as follows:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10
- Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Natural History Ticket: $15
- Private Snorkeling Tour in Florida Springs: $250
Tours and Activities in Saint Croix
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:
- Grange Estate History and Heritage Private Tour and Luncheon : $60
- Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $75
- St Croix Island Tour: $100
- Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
- 30 Minute Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands: $150
- Horseback Riding Experience: $160
- 1 Hour Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands : $250
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGainesville $49Saint Croix $27
When comparing the travel costs between Gainesville and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix 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 Gainesville is in North America and Saint Croix 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 Gainesville Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Gainesville or Saint Croix?
Gainesville has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Croix experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Croix in the Summer?
Both Saint Croix and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gainesville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 29°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Gainesville. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGainesville 81°F (27°C)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
Both Saint Croix and Gainesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gainesville for the shopping scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In October, Gainesville is generally cooler than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 71°F (22°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGainesville 71°F (22°C)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Croix in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Saint Croix. The winter months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Gainesville is much colder than Saint Croix in the winter. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 54°F (12°C) in January, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In January, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGainesville 54°F (12°C)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Gainesville or Saint Croix in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Saint Croix. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
In the spring, Gainesville is cooler than Saint Croix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gainesville in April average around 69°F (20°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 27°C (80°F).
Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croix. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGainesville 69°F (20°C)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Gainesville
| Gainesville | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 54°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 69°F (20°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (139 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.