Which place is cheaper, Santa Barbara or Saint Croix?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Croix or Santa Barbara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Croix or Santa Barbara? 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 Santa Barbara?
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.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located in California, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a stunning backdrop. The town has a population of just 90,000 but it still offers visitors many cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences that surpass many large cities. There are wide beaches along a beautiful coastline, impressive wineries, and many top rated restaurants. Many people see Santa Barbara as a hangout for the rich and famous, but with a university and diverse population, the city is much more relatable than you might expect, although travel prices here are still somewhat high.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Croix $236Santa Barbara $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $236, while the average daily cost in Santa Barbara is $162. 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 Santa Barbara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Croix $149Santa Barbara $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Croix $298Santa Barbara $176
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and Santa Barbara
Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix or Santa Barbara? 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 Santa Barbara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Croix $35Santa Barbara $42
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Barbara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Barbara:
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Port to Los Angeles Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Santa Barbara Cruise Port to Los Angeles: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Croix or Santa Barbara?
Prices for flights to both Santa Barbara 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 $56Santa Barbara $46
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 $58Santa Barbara $27
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 Santa Barbara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Barbara are as follows:
- Santa Barbara Trolley Tour: $30
- Santa Barbara Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Santa Barbara Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Santa Barbara Ghost History and Mystery Walking Tour "Invisible Becomes Visible": $55
- Santa Barbara Ghost Tour "The Veil is Lifted" History & Mystery Walk: $55
- Guided Kayak Wildlife Tour in the Santa Barbara Harbor: $55
- The Haunt: Solvang Ghost Hunting Tour: $55
- Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide: $55
- 1.5-Hour Harbor Kayak Tour: $60
- Catamaran Coastal Cruise: $62
- 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai: $65
- Guided Sea Lion Kayaking Tour: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Croix $27Santa Barbara $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Barbara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Santa Barbara:
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Camping$20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Barbara
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Barbara:
- Paranormal Pairing: Wine Tasting Walk with Ghost Storytelling: $105
- Solvang Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour : $185
- Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour: $194
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Ynez Valley: $199
- Wine Tasting Tour in Santa Ynez Valley (All-Inclusive & Full-Day): $215
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Santa Barbara: $219
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country: $235
- Santa Barbara Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Estates & Wineries: $235
- Small-Group Wine Tour to Private Locations in Santa Barbara : $235
- Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez Wine Tour (We Drive Your Vehicle): $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Croix and Santa Barbara, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands and Santa Barbara is in North 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 Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.
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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint Croix or Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?
Both Santa Barbara 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, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.
In the summer, Saint Croix is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Croix in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 65°F (19°C).
In July, Saint Croix usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Croix 29°C (83°F)Santa Barbara 65°F (19°C)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?
Both Santa Barbara 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. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Saint Croix is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 28°C (82°F), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Croix. Saint Croix usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Croix 28°C (82°F)Santa Barbara 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Santa Barbara in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Croix and Santa Barbara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Saint Croix is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In January, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Croix 26°C (78°F)Santa Barbara 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Santa Barbara in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Croix as well as Santa Barbara. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Saint Croix is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Croix in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Santa Barbara averages at about 57°F (14°C).
Saint Croix usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Croix 27°C (80°F)Santa Barbara 57°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Saint Croix
| Saint Croix | Santa Barbara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 65°F (19°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.