A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key West vs. Saint Croix for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Key West or Saint Croix?

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

Should I visit Key West or Saint Croix? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Key West or Saint Croix?

Key West

Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.

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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Key West?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Key West Prices
    USA Prices
    Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Key West $247
    Saint Croix $277

The average daily cost (per person) in Key West is $247, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $277. 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 Key West and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key West $132
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key West $264
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Key West and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Key West 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.

Hotels in Key West


Hotels in Saint Croix


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: Key West Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key West $51
    Saint Croix $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
  • Private Transfer from Key West Port to Key West Airport (EYW): $111
  • Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $111
  • Private Transfer from Key West Cruise Port to Key West hotels: $112
  • Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $112
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
  • Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $153
  • Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $153

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Port to St. Croix Airport (STX): $86
  • St. Croix to St. Croix Airport (STX) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $164
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port: $173
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $173
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix: $177

Is it cheaper to fly into Key West or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Key West 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
    Key West $81
    Saint Croix $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
  • Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
  • Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
  • Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $91
  • Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $93
  • Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $120

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
  • A Morning Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $131
  • Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $155

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key West $33
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Key West

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

  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Key West GPS Audio Tour: From Seaside Village to Micro State: $12
  • Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket: $18
  • Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets: $19
  • Key West Aquarium Tickets: $23
  • Truman Little White House Guided Tour Ticket: $26
  • Key West Ghost Tours: Southernmost Shadows and Ghosts: $27
  • Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour: $30
  • The Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour: $30
  • Southernmost Key West Historical Tour in Small Group: $30
  • The Dark Side of Key West Adults Only Walking Tour: $35
  • Key West Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour: $40

Tours and Activities in Saint Croix

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

  • St. Croix’s Forts, Freedom, and Beaches: A Self-Drive Audio Tour: $25
  • Christiansted's Artisan Shopping Tour: $33
  • St. Croix Ghost Tour of Historic Christiansted: $45
  • Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour: $59
  • Island Chocolate Experience with Tasting: $62
  • Parasail Experience in St Croix: $84
  • The Frederiksted St. Croix Sea Turtles Snorkeling Tour: $89
  • St Croix Island Tour: $118
  • Guided Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay Ecology and History: $125
  • Horseback Riding Experience: $160
  • Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key West $16
    Saint Croix $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Key West

Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • A Spectacular Bar Crawl in Key West: $15
  • Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Key West Spirits and Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Original Key West Pub Crawl: The Best Bars with Free T-Shirt: $43
  • 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Croix

Also in Saint Croix, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Farm to Bottle Tour at Prosperity Farm Distillery: $35
  • Frederiksted Historical Tour with Rum Distillery: $115


When comparing the travel costs between Key West 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 Key West 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 Key West Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Key West or Saint Croix?

Key West 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 Key West or Saint Croix in the Summer?

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

Key West is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In July, Key West usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key West 84°F (29°C) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Key West or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

Both Saint Croix and Key West during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

In the autumn, Key West is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key West 80°F (27°C) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Key West or Saint Croix in the Winter?

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

In January, Key West is generally cooler than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Key West usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Croix. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key West 70°F (21°C) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Key West or Saint Croix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key West as well as Saint Croix. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

Key West is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croix. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix 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 Key West.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key West 77°F (25°C) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Key West

Key West Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)