Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Saint Croix?
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 Saint Croix or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Croix or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Saint Croix Prices
USVI PricesTamarindo Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Croix $277Tamarindo $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $277, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $159. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Croix $149Tamarindo $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Croix $298Tamarindo $110
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Croix $35Tamarindo $76
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: $83
- 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: $90
- St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $90
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $166
- 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: $178
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Costa Rica Private Guanacaste Airport (LIR) Departure transfer: $5.00
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $16
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Waldorf Astoria Hotel: $16
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $16
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Mangroove Hotel: $16
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Mangroove Hotel: $16
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hotel Waldorf Astoria: $18
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Planet Hollywood: $19
- Convenient airport transfers from Liberia: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Riu Guanacaste: $20
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Waldorf Astoria Hotel: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Croix or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $97Tamarindo $62
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: $81
- 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: $155
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Croix $58Tamarindo $19
Tours and Activities in Saint Croix
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:
- St. Croix’s Forts, Freedom, and Beaches: A Self-Drive Audio Tour: $25
- Christiansted's Artisan Shopping Tour: $33
- St. Croix Ghost Tour of Historic Christiansted: $45
- Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour: $59
- Island Chocolate Experience with Tasting: $62
- Parasail Experience in St Croix: $84
- The Frederiksted St. Croix Sea Turtles Snorkeling Tour: $89
- St Croix Island Tour: $118
- Guided Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay Ecology and History: $125
- Horseback Riding Experience: $160
- Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $175
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Tamarindo Nightlife Pass Experience Adventure: $10
- UNICO Luxury 1-Hour Boat Tour and Flamingo: $30
- Paintball Experience near Tamarindo: $32
- Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $45
- Boat adventure with wildlife viewing in Tamarindo: $45
- Tamarindo Mangrove Tour: $46
- Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour: $47
- Tamarindo Birdwatching Crocodiles and Monkey Tour: $50
- Conchal Beach Horseback Riding - 1hr 30min Guided Tour: $50
- Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR: $55
- Rain Forest Canopy Tour from Zipline, Hanging Bridge: $60
- Tamarindo wildlife Estuary boat ride tour 1 hour and 45 minutes: $62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Croix $27Tamarindo $15
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
- Frederiksted Historical Tour with Rum Distillery: $115
Sample the Local Flavors in Tamarindo
Also in Tamarindo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Puro Vino - Tamarindo's Wine Tour Ride: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Croix and Tamarindo, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Tamarindo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands and Tamarindo is in Central 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 Tamarindo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.
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 Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint Croix or Tamarindo?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Saint Croix or Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo 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. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. In July, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Saint Croix is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Croix 29°C (83°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.
December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Also, the hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November. Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Saint Croix is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Croix in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Croix 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Croix and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Saint Croix usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Saint Croix is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 26°C (78°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Croix 26°C (78°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Croix as well as Tamarindo. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo. Saint Croix usually gets more rain in April than Tamarindo. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Saint Croix is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Croix 27°C (80°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Saint Croix
| Saint Croix | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.