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

Should you visit Saint John's or Manaus?

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

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

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.

Manaus

Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Manaus 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 Manaus is $59. 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 Manaus in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Manaus $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Manaus $84
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Manaus

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Manaus? 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 Manaus


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: Manaus Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Manaus $7.94
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:

  • 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 Manaus

Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) -Departure Private Transfer: $21
  • 24-hour hotel transfer - airport in Manaus: $17
  • Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
  • Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
  • Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Private 24-hour transfer from the Hotel to the Airport in Manaus: $16
  • Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $35

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

Prices for flights to both Manaus 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
    Manaus $12

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 Manaus

For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
  • Food Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Manaus -
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:

  • 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 Manaus

For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Like a Local Customized Guided Welcome Tour: $30
  • Manaus City Tour e Musa: $50
  • City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
  • MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $50
  • Half-Day City Tour: $54
  • Full-Day Tour on the Amazon River: $55
  • Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
  • Manaus Sightseeing Tour: $64
  • Solimoes River Piranha Fishing and Alligator Watching Tour: $66
  • Tour to Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls: $70
  • Full-Day Package Tour in Presidente Figueiredo : $70
  • Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    Manaus $2.84


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John's and Manaus, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and Manaus 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 Manaus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manaus 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 Manaus.

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 Manaus Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Manaus?

Manaus has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Manaus, 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 Manaus?

Manaus 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 Manaus in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Manaus. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Saint John's is around the same temperature as Manaus in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Manaus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the summer, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Manausin January. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 114 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Manaus. Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint John's usually gets less rain in July than Manausin January. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Manaus 27°C (81°F)

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

Both Manaus 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.

In the autumn, Saint John's is around the same temperature as Manaus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John's in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Manaus averages at about 28°C (82°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during autumn. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In October, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Manausin April. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Manaus 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.

In January, Saint John's is generally cooler than Manausin July. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 24°C (76°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Manaus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the winter, Saint John's often gets more sunshine than Manausin July. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 214 hours of full sun.

Saint John's usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Manausin July. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Manaus 28°C (82°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Manaus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round.

Saint John's is cooler than Manaus in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Manaus fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in October.

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during spring. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

Manaus 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 more rain than Manausin October. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Manaus 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manaus and Saint John's

Saint John's Manaus
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 264 mm (10.4 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 311 mm (12.3 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 29°C (84°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.6 in)