A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint John's vs. Boston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint John's or Boston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Saint John's or Boston? 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 John's or Boston?

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Boston or Saint John's?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, while the average daily cost in Boston is $255. 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 John's and Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Boston? 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.

Hotels in Saint Johns


Hotels in Boston


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: Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Boston $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
  • Private One-Way Antigua Airport Transfer To/From Antigua: $45
  • Shared Roundtrip Taxi Transfer from Antigua Airport to Royalton Antigua Resort: $45
  • Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $60
  • Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $74
  • Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $77
  • Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $77
  • Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Island Hotels: $78
  • Antigua VC Bird Airport to Island Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $82
  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Boston hotels to Flynn Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $116
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Boston Airport BOS to Boston City in Luxury SUV: $130
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $168
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $243
  • Boston Logan Airport Transfer Limo & Shuttle Service: $140
  • Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Boston’s Logan International Airport to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $170
  • Luxor Limo Private Transfer and City Tour: $1,195
  • Cruiseport Boston to Boston Airport (BOS) - Departure Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfer Boston to Boston Airport BOS Business-Luxury Vehicle: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston and Saint John's 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint John's $68
    Boston $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.

  • AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $68
  • Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $77
  • Ultimate Food Tour of North End & Public Market: $79
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
  • Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
  • Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Boston $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
  • Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
  • Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
  • 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
  • Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
  • TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:

  • Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $5.00
  • Underground Railroad Audio App Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Boston: $5.95
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App: $5.99
  • App Self-guided tours with Audioguide Boston: $6.42
  • Boston History and Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Charlestown: Bunker Hill Monument Self-Guide Walking Tour: $7.99
  • City History and Highlights Audio App Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Harborwalk and Tea Party Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.49
  • Civil War and Abolition: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Boston: $8.99
  • Ghost-Themed Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    Boston $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105


When comparing the travel costs between Saint John's and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 John's is in Caribbean Islands and Boston 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 John's Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Boston, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Saint John's or Boston?

Boston has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Saint John's or Boston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint John's is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (81°F), and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Boston. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Boston. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

Saint John's is much warmer than Boston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Boston. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Boston. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. In the winter, Saint John's is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Boston averages at about 29°F (-2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Boston during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Saint John's during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the spring, Saint John's often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Boston. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Boston. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Saint John's

Saint John's Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)