Which place is cheaper, El Chalten or Saint Croix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Croix or El Chalten?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Croix or El Chalten? 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: Saint Croix or El Chalten?
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.
El Chalten
El Chalten is probably one of the most beautiful areas of Patagonia, especially at the slightest ray of sunshine and one of your cheapest destination while you are travelling in Patagonia. Indeed, you will spend your days hiking and there are no park fees. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, and outdoor stores but most of them will not accept credit cards so before heading out, get cash in El Calafate or your previous stop. For the beginners, it will be long hikes in a magical setting and for the experts perhaps a week long expedition to the greatest glaciers of the world. To discover the way people live in the pampa, you may also decide to stay at an Estancia. In the stunning Estancia Santa Thelma, about 300km away from El Chalten, you will be able to explore the surroundings by horse, live a unique experience in the middle of the nature and its vast plains occupied by thousands of merino sheep and horses and of course eat a typical meal of the region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Croix $236El Chalten $9.93
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $236, while the average daily cost in El Chalten is $9.93. 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 Saint Croix and El Chalten in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Croix $149El Chalten $4.42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Croix $298El Chalten $8.84
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and El Chalten
Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix or El Chalten? 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 and El Chalten Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Croix $35El Chalten $2.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:
- Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $49
- Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $49
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $71
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $71
- St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $109
- Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $109
- Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $164
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $217
- St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $217
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Croix or El Chalten?
Prices for flights to both El Chalten and Saint Croix 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 daySaint Croix $56El Chalten $3.66
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Croix $58El Chalten $2.66
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
Tours and Activities in El Chalten
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for El Chalten are as follows:
- 3 Hours Grilled Lamb Experience in Estancia Bonanza: $55
- Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia: $90
- Rio de las Vueltas Rafting Experience - El Chalten: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Croix $27El Chalten $1.22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Croix and El Chalten, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is El Chalten much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands and El Chalten is in South America, 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 El Chalten would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Chalten 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 El Chalten.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Croix Expensive? and Is El Chalten Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint Croix or El Chalten?
El Chalten 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 Saint Croix or El Chalten in the Summer?
Both El Chalten and Saint Croix are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
In July, Saint Croix is generally around the same temperature as El Chaltenin January. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 29°C (83°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in El Chalten. In July, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than El Chaltenin January. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySaint Croix 29°C (83°F)El Chalten 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Saint Croix or El Chalten in the Autumn?
Both El Chalten and Saint Croix during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Saint Croix is a little warmer than El Chalten in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and El Chalten fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in April.
El Chalten gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Croix. Saint Croix usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as El Chaltenin April. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSaint Croix 28°C (82°F)El Chalten 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Saint Croix or El Chalten in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Croix and El Chalten. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In the winter, Saint Croix is much warmer than El Chalten. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Croix in January average around 26°C (78°F), and El Chalten averages at about 16°C (61°F)in July.
In January, Saint Croix usually receives more rain than El Chaltenin July. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySaint Croix 26°C (78°F)El Chalten 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Saint Croix or El Chalten in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Croix as well as El Chalten. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Saint Croix is generally a little warmer than El Chaltenin October. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 27°C (80°F), and El Chalten fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite rainy in El Chalten. Saint Croix usually gets less rain in April than El Chaltenin October. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while El Chalten receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSaint Croix 27°C (80°F)El Chalten 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for El Chalten and Saint Croix
| Saint Croix | El Chalten | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.