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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Saint Croix?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan 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: Mazatlan or Saint Croix?

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Mazatlan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $79, 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 Mazatlan and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mazatlan $33
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mazatlan $66
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan


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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mazatlan $21
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:

  • Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
  • Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
  • Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
  • Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
  • Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Mazatlan or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Mazatlan 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
    Mazatlan $34
    Saint Croix $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan

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

  • Mercado walking food tour: $78
  • Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
  • Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96

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.
    Mazatlan $9.59
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Mazatlan

Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
  • Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
  • Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
  • El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
  • Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
  • City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
  • Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
  • Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
  • Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
  • Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
  • Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65

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 day
    Mazatlan $18
    Saint Croix $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mazatlan is in North 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

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



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

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Saint Croix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Saint Croix. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Saint Croix. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Saint Croix. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mazatlan 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Croix in the Winter?

Both Saint Croix and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Mazatlan is generally cooler than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Saint Croix. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Croix in the Spring?

Both Saint Croix and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

Mazatlan is cooler than Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croix. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Mazatlan

Mazatlan Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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