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

Should you visit Saint John's or Saint Simons?

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

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

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.

Saint Simons

Located just off the coast of southern Georgia, Saint Simons Island is the largest of the state’s renowned "Golden Isle's." Visitors are drawn to the Island for its warm climate, beaches, variety of outdoor activities, shops and restaurants, historical sites, and its natural environment. With most of the natural marsh and woodlands to the north and the commercial attractions centralized in the south, Saint Simons has a little taste of everything for all who come to see it.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons is $176. 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 Saint Simons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Saint Simons $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Saint Simons $200
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Saint Simons

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


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: Saint Simons Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Saint Simons $49
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 Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
  • Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $60
  • 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
  • Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax Zone D: Hotels: $130

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

Prices for flights to both Saint Simons 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
    Saint Simons $48

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
    Saint Simons $16
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    Saint Simons $60


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

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 Saint Simons Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Saint Simons?

Saint John's has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Saint Simons, 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 Saint Simons?

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons in the Summer?

Both Saint Simons 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, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year.

In July, Saint John's is generally around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Saint Simons during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C)

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

Both Saint Simons 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. Also, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint John's is a little warmer than Saint Simons in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In Saint Simons, 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 Saint Simons. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 214 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 Saint Simons. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Saint Simons. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Also, many visitors come to Saint Simons in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Saint John's is much warmer than Saint Simons. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Saint Simons averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Saint Simons during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Simons. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Saint Simons. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Saint John's is generally a little warmer than Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. 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 less sunshine than Saint Simons. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 285 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 Saint Simons. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Saint John's

Saint John's Saint Simons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)