Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Saint John's?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Saint John's or Mazatlan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint John's or Mazatlan? 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 Mazatlan?
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.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John's $222Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John's $120Mazatlan $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John's $240Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Mazatlan? 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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John's $17Mazatlan $21
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:
- 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $128
- 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
- Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $59
- Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
- Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
- Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $155
- Antigua VC Bird Airport to Island Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $82
- Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $77
- Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $254
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $77
- JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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 daySaint John's $68Mazatlan $34
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 Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John's $103Mazatlan $9.59
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
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $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
- TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
- Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
- Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
- El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
- Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
- Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
- Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John's $18Mazatlan $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John's and Mazatlan, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.
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 Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Mazatlan?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan in the Summer?
Both Mazatlan and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
Saint John's is around the same temperature as Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Mazatlan. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John's 27°C (81°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
Both Mazatlan and Saint John's during the autumn 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Saint John's is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John's in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 233 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 October than Mazatlan. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John's 27°C (80°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Mazatlan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Saint John's is generally a little warmer than Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 24°C (76°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Mazatlan during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John's 24°C (76°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Mazatlan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Mazatlan. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months.
Saint John's is a little warmer than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the spring, Saint John's often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun.
Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Mazatlan. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John's 26°C (78°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Saint John's
| Saint John's | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.