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

Should you visit Panama City or Saint Croix?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City 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: Panama City or Saint Croix?

Panama City

As the tropical breeze kisses your face amidst the never-ending rows of palm trees and high-rise beach condos, you find both pleasure and peace in this popular beach vacation spot. Such a city could be no place else than Panama City, Florida, located on the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast. The entire region is known for it's calm beach with white sand, blue water, and spring break and summer vacation fun. Panama City offers a multitude of hotels, parks, beaches, and restaurants to make it a prime destination to both party and relax. However, as you explore the city, you will find that Panama City acquires its own diverse, vibrant character unique to other beach towns. Bring out the fishing rods and boogie boards and take advantage of one of Florida's most popular destinations! It's a great destination for families, kids, younger travelers, singles, couples, and retirees alike.

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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Panama City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $224, 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 Panama City and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Panama City $128
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Panama City $256
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Panama City 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 Panama City


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: Panama City Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Panama City $48
    Saint Croix $35

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: $218
  • 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: $218
  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Panama City or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Panama City 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
    Panama City $66
    Saint Croix $56

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.
    Panama City $19
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Panama City

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

  • Panama City Beach: SkyWheel Ticket with Sunset Option: $19
  • SkyWheel Panama City Beach Sunset Ticket: $23
  • Panama City Beach: SkyWheel Ticket and Mini Golf Combo: $26
  • Self-Guided Bike Tour: Pedal At Your Pace: $28
  • Bike Rental with Smartphone Tour: $28
  • Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay: $29
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $35
  • Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail: $40
  • Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time: $42
  • Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $45
  • Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time : $52
  • 90 min Cruise at Lower Grand Lagoon : $54

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
    Panama City $56
    Saint Croix $27


When comparing the travel costs between Panama City 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 Panama City 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 Panama City Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Panama City or Saint Croix?

Panama City 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 Panama City or Saint Croix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Saint Croix. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Panama City is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Panama City 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Saint Croix. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

In the autumn, Panama City is cooler than Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Panama City in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F).

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Panama City 71°F (22°C) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Croix in the Winter?

Both Saint Croix and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of 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, Panama City is generally much colder than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 52°F (11°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Panama City 52°F (11°C) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Panama City or Saint Croix in the Spring?

Both Saint Croix and Panama City during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

Panama City is cooler than Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Croix. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Panama City 68°F (20°C) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Panama City

Panama City Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 61°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.3 inches (184 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.5 inches (192 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)