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

Should you visit Saint John's or Palm Springs?

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

Should I visit Saint John's or Palm Springs? 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 Palm Springs?

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.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.

It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.

Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs is $206. 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 Palm Springs in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Palm Springs? 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 Palm Springs


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: Palm Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Palm Springs $52
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
  • Shared Roundtrip Taxi Transfer from Antigua Airport to Royalton Antigua Resort: $45
  • Private One-Way Antigua Airport Transfer To/From Antigua: $45
  • Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Airport (ANU): $50
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Airport (ANU) to St. John's Port: $50
  • Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $60
  • Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $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: $78
  • Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:

  • Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer: $87
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer: $87
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to INDIAN WELLS - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
  • Palm Springs Airport PSP to Snow Summit-Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • Palm Springs Airport to Desert Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $175
  • Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Arrival Private Transfer: $128
  • Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $195
  • Private Transfer from PSP to Palm Desert / Indian Wells: $135

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

Prices for flights to both Palm Springs 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
    Palm Springs $53

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Palm Springs $29
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
  • Stingray City Experience Antigua - ONLY TICKET: $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

Tours and Activities in Palm Springs

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

  • Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Journey into Joshua Tree: Audio Tour + Free Locals Guide!: $12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Joshua Tree: $13
  • Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • City and Desert App-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $17
  • Palm Springs and Joshua Tree Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $25
  • Private 1-Hour Archery Experience around Joshua Tree National Park.: $28
  • Self-Driving Windmill Tour: $30
  • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket: $30
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    Palm Springs $13


When comparing the travel costs between Saint John's and Palm Springs, we can see that Saint John's 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Palm Springs. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Palm Springs. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Saint John's is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)

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

Both Palm Springs 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, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Saint John's is much warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)

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

Both Palm Springs 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.

In April, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Saint John's

Saint John's Palm Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 58°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 59°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 69°F (20°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 69°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)