Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Pucon?
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 Pucon or Saint Croix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pucon and Saint Croix can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pucon or Saint Croix?
Pucon
A popular hub for adventure tourism, Pucon is a town in the Lake District of the South American nation of Chile. Located on Lake Villarirca with the snowcapped Villarrica volcano looming above and plenty of forested valleys below, the town has become a home base year-round for a full range of outdoor activities.
Check out our ultimate guide to Traveling in Patagonia.
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 2-Week Tours in Chile, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Chile.
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Pucon Prices
Chile PricesSaint Croix Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPucon $127Saint Croix $277
The average daily cost (per person) in Pucon is $127, 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 Pucon and Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPucon $43Saint Croix $149
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPucon $86Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Pucon and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Pucon 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.
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: Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pucon $19Saint Croix $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:
- Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport (ZCO): $84
- Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $98
- Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $267
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: $167
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $87
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $180
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Port to St. Croix Airport (STX): $87
- Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $175
- Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $175
- St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $84
- St. Croix to St. Croix Airport (STX) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
- St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Pucon or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Pucon 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 dayPucon $65Saint Croix $97
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: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pucon $37Saint Croix $58
Tours and Activities in Pucon
Here are a few actual costs in Pucon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour in Self-drive Electric Hot Tub Boat Nestled in nature!: $78
- Geometric Thermal Tour with Pickup and Tickets: $120
- Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $124
- Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $125
Tours and Activities in Saint Croix
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:
- Christiansted's Artisan Shopping Tour: $33
- St. Croix Ghost Tour of Historic Christiansted: $45
- Frederiksted Moke Tour: $75
- The Frederiksted St. Croix Sea Turtles Snorkeling Tour: $89
- Guided Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay Ecology and History: $115
- St Croix Island Tour: $118
- Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
- Horseback Riding Experience: $160
- Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPucon $27Saint Croix $27
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pucon and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Pucon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pucon 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 Pucon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pucon 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 Pucon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pucon Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pucon or Saint Croix?
Pucon 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 Pucon or Saint Croix in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pucon and Saint Croix. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Pucon is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pucon in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.
In January, Pucon usually receives less rain than Saint Croixin July. Pucon gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPucon 16°C (61°F)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Pucon or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pucon as well as Saint Croix. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
In April, Pucon is generally much colder than Saint Croixin October. Daily temperatures in Pucon average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Saint Croix. Pucon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pucon usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croixin October. Pucon gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPucon 11°C (52°F)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pucon or Saint Croix in the Winter?
Both Saint Croix and Pucon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Pucon is much colder than Saint Croix in the winter. The daily temperature in Pucon averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Pucon. In July, Pucon usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin January. Pucon gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPucon 7°C (45°F)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Pucon or Saint Croix in the Spring?
Both Saint Croix and Pucon during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In the spring, Pucon is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pucon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pucon. Pucon usually gets more rain in October than Saint Croixin April. Pucon gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPucon 11°C (52°F)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Pucon
| Pucon | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.