Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan or Saint Croix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Croix or Ketchikan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Croix or Ketchikan? 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 Ketchikan?
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.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Croix $236Ketchikan $220
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $236, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $220. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Croix $149Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Croix $298Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix or Ketchikan? 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.Saint Croix $35Ketchikan $39
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: $218
- St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $218
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Croix or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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 $56Ketchikan $53
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
Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Croix $58Ketchikan $46
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Husky Walking Tour: $49
- City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
- Saxman Native Village and Ketchikan Highlights Private Tour: $69
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $72
- Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
- Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $85
- From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience and Ketchikan Tour: $89
- Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Experience: $89
- Cruisin' and Boozin' - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Croix $27Ketchikan $23
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Croix and Ketchikan, 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 Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands and Ketchikan is in North America, 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 Saint Croix Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint Croix or Ketchikan?
Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in the Summer?
Both Ketchikan 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. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saint Croix is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 29°C (83°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In July, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Croix 29°C (83°F)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
Both Ketchikan 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Saint Croix is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
Ketchikan 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 less rain in October than Ketchikan. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Croix 28°C (82°F)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Ketchikan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Croix and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Croix is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Croix in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Croix 26°C (78°F)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Ketchikan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Croix as well as Ketchikan. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Saint Croix is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 27°C (80°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Saint Croix usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Croix 27°C (80°F)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Saint Croix
| Saint Croix | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 mm) |
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.