Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Geneva?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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: Geneva or Saint John?
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Geneva Prices
Switzerland PricesSaint John Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGeneva $288Saint John $233
The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $288, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 Geneva and Saint John in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGeneva $168Saint John $106
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGeneva $336Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Saint John
Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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.
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: Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Geneva $11Saint John $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $83
- Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Business Car: $99
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
- Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $99
- Arrival Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Luxury Van: $112
- Chamonix: Private Transfer from Geneva with Wi-Fi and Water: $293
- Departure Transfer from Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by MiniVan: $116
- Departure Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Business Car: $99
- Departure Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
- From One-Way Transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Saint John?
Prices for flights to both Saint John and Geneva 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
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Food Meals for one dayGeneva $105Saint John $97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $225
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $228
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Geneva $35Saint John $23
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Highlights of Dark History Quest Experience: $5.94
- Geneva Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.32
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Geneva Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Geneva Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.51
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Geneva’s Old Town: $12
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Many Faces of Geneva: $13
- Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $21
- 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGeneva $26Saint John $44
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $262
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Saint John, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Saint John much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Geneva is in Europe 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Saint John Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Geneva or Saint John?
Geneva 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 Geneva or Saint John in the Summer?
Both Saint John and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Geneva is cooler than Saint John in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In July, Geneva usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint John. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGeneva 22°C (71°F)Saint John 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Saint John in the Autumn?
Both Saint John and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.
In the autumn, Geneva is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Saint John averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Saint John gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Saint John. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGeneva 14°C (56°F)Saint John 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Saint John in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Saint John. Many travelers come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. In January, Geneva is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In January, Geneva usually receives more rain than Saint John. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGeneva 4°C (39°F)Saint John 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Saint John in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Saint John. Many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.
Geneva is much colder than Saint John in the spring. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Geneva usually gets less rain in April than Saint John. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGeneva 11°C (53°F)Saint John 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John and Geneva
| Geneva | Saint John | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 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.