Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Riga?
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 Riga or Saint Croix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga 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: Riga or Saint Croix?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
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.
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Riga Prices
Latvia PricesSaint Croix Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga $143Saint Croix $277
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is $143, 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 Riga and Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga $61Saint Croix $149
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga $122Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Riga and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Riga 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: Riga Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga $11Saint Croix $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $43
- Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $45
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan: $51
- Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
- Transfer from Riga center to Airport: $53
- Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga Old city: $53
- Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $57
- Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer to anywhere in Riga Center: $60
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $60
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $68
- Private transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga city by Car or Van: $68
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 Riga or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Riga 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 dayRiga $67Saint Croix $97
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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Fast Food Lunch$6.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group: $41
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $53
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $70
- Exclusive Igloo for Lunches, Dinners and Events: $72
- Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
- Pizza Making Master Class in Riga: $251
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252
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.Riga $16Saint Croix $58
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- An audio tour of Old from St Peter's Church to the Monument of Freedom: $6.99
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $8.21
- Canal Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $8.21
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.38
- Old Town Electrobus Tour + Audio Guide & Drink: $9.38
- Riga Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
- Riga Canal and Daugava Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $9.58
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink: $10
- Rowing boats and Pedal boat rental - River Cruises Latvia: $11
- Riga English Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $11
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Drink and Audio Guide: $11
- Riga Golden Autumn Canal & River Cruise | River Cruises LV: $11
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 dayRiga $23Saint Croix $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $21
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Riga: $35
- Riga Pub Crawl: $41
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $59
- Riga Brewery Tour: $59
- Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
- Riga Brewery Tour: $77
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94
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 Riga and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe 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 Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga 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 Riga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Riga Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Riga or Saint Croix?
Riga 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 Riga or Saint Croix in the Summer?
Both Saint Croix and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of 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.
Riga is much colder than Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 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 JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Riga or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
Both Saint Croix and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 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 OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Riga or Saint Croix in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Saint Croix. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Saint Croix. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 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 JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Riga or Saint Croix in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Saint Croix. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
Riga is much colder than Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Riga usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croix. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 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 AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Riga
| Riga | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.