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

Should you visit Recife 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 Recife 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: Recife or Saint Croix?

Recife

One of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco. The city gets its name from the Portuguese word for "reef," as it was built around a landscape of natural reef beaches. Many people visit to enjoy these beaches, experience the culture, and explore the history of this important Brazilian city.

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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Recife?

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

  • Recife Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Recife $209
    Saint Croix $277

The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $209, 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 Recife and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Recife $84
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Recife $168
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Recife and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Recife 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 Recife


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: Recife Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Recife $8.13
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:

  • Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $50
  • Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $111

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: $84
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $87
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Port to St. Croix Airport (STX): $87
  • St. Croix to St. Croix Airport (STX) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
  • St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $167
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $175
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $175
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Recife or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Recife 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
    Recife $117
    Saint 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Recife $11
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Recife

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

  • Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Recife -
    Saint 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 Recife and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Recife much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Recife 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 Recife would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Recife 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 Recife.

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



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

Recife 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 Recife or Saint Croix in the Summer?

Both Saint Croix and Recife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Recife for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Recife is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Recife. In January, Recife usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin July. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Recife is March to August.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Recife 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Recife or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

Both Saint Croix and Recife during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Recife in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

In the autumn, Recife is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Recife in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.

Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually gets more rain in April than Saint Croixin October. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Recife 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Recife or Saint Croix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and Saint Croix. Most visitors come to Recife for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Recife is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croixin January. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 24°C (76°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Recife usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin January. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Recife.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Recife 24°C (76°F) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Recife or Saint Croix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Recife as well as Saint Croix. The spring months attract visitors to Recife because of the beaches and the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

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

Recife usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croixin April. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to December in Recife is the dry season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Recife 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Recife

Recife Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 338 mm (13.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 25°C (78°F) 319 mm (12.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 378 mm (14.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 24°C (76°F) 388 mm (15.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


Related Articles for Saint Croix