Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Saint John's?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint John's or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint John's or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John's $222Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $95. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John's $120Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John's $240Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Guayaquil? 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: Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John's $17Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $74
- Shared Roundtrip Taxi Transfer from Antigua Airport to Royalton Antigua Resort: $45
- Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
- Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Island Hotels: $78
- Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $112
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
- Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $99
- Private One-Way Antigua Airport Transfer To/From Antigua: $45
- Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
- Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax. Zone C: Hotels: $120
- Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax Zone D: Hotels: $130
- JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE): Transfer to Guayaquil hotels: $129
- Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil city -Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Guayaquil Airport Private Transfer Service: $80
- Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $18
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $17
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $17
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
- Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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
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Food Meals for one daySaint John's $68Guayaquil $29
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 Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Guayaquil Culinary Adventure, Cacao Cooking Class: $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John's $103Guayaquil $21
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:
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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:
- 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
- 6-Hours Guided Stingray Tour in the East Coast of Antigua: $161
- Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $125
- Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $190
- Animal Lovers Dream Tour: $180
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $180
- Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
- Antigua Seafood Lunch Cruise From St. John's: $135
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour: $110
- Antigua Sunset Catamaran Cruise From St. John's: $116
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Guayaquil City Tour: $18
- 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
- Shared Walking Tour in Guayaquil City: $35
- City Tour Guayaquil: $40
- Guayaquil City Tour: $40
- Self-guided walking tour of Guayaquil's landmarks.: $45
- Private Experience of Flavors and Wine Pairing in Guayaquil: $52
- From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
- City Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $63
- Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit: $74
- City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
- Private Guayaquil City Tour and Parque Historico: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John's $18Guayaquil $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:
- Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John's and Guayaquil, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guayaquil 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 John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's than you might in Guayaquil.
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 Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Saint John's or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Guayaquil. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint John's usually gets more rain in July than Guayaquil. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Saint John's is a little warmer than Guayaquil. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint John's in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John's 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In October, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Saint John's is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (80°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John's 27°C (80°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil and Saint John's during the winter 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint John's usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Saint John's is cooler than Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John's 24°C (76°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guayaquil. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Saint John's is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint John's in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John's 26°C (78°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Saint John's
| Saint John's | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.