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

Should you visit Manaus or Saint Croix?

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

Should I visit Manaus 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: Manaus or Saint Croix?

Manaus

Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Manaus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, 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 Manaus and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manaus $42
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manaus $84
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Manaus 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 Manaus


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: Manaus Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manaus $7.94
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus

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

  • Private Transfer 24h Airport to Hotel in Manaus: $15
  • Private 24-hour transfer from the Hotel to the Airport in Manaus: $16
  • 24-hour hotel transfer - airport in Manaus: $17
  • Transfer Privativo 24h aeroporto -> hotel em Manaus: $18
  • Serviço de transfer privativo do Porto -> aeroporto de Mana: $20
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) -Departure Private Transfer: $21
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Manaus private Airport transfer: $30

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: $109
  • St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $217
  • Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $49
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $49
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $164
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $71
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $71
  • Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $217

Is it cheaper to fly into Manaus or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Manaus 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
    Manaus $12
    Saint Croix $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus

For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
  • Food Tour: $50

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.
    Manaus -
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Manaus

For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Like a Local Customized Guided Welcome Tour: $30
  • Manaus City Tour e Musa: $50
  • City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
  • MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $50
  • Half-Day City Tour: $54
  • Full-Day Tour on the Amazon River: $55
  • Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
  • Manaus Sightseeing Tour: $64
  • Solimoes River Piranha Fishing and Alligator Watching Tour: $66
  • Tour to Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls: $70
  • Full-Day Package Tour in Presidente Figueiredo : $70
  • Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch: $71

Tours and Activities in Saint Croix

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

  • 1 Hour Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands : $250
  • 30 Minute Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands: $150
  • Grange Estate History and Heritage Private Tour and Luncheon : $60
  • Horseback Riding Experience: $160
  • Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
  • Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $75
  • St Croix Island Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manaus $2.84
    Saint Croix $27


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

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



When is the best time to visit Manaus or Saint Croix?

Manaus 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 Manaus or Saint Croix in the Summer?

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

Manaus is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

Manaus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manaus usually gets more rain in January than Saint Croixin July. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Manaus 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Manaus or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

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

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Croix. It's quite rainy in Manaus. In April, Manaus usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin October. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Manaus 28°C (82°F) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Manaus or Saint Croix in the Winter?

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

In July, Manaus is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croixin January. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Manaus usually gets more rain in July than Saint Croixin January. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Manaus 28°C (82°F) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Manaus or Saint Croix in the Spring?

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

Manaus is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manaus usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin April. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Manaus 29°C (84°F) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Manaus

Manaus Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 264 mm (10.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 311 mm (12.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 279 mm (11 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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