Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Salvador or Saint Croix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Saint Croix, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Salvador or Saint Croix?
Salvador
Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.
Saint Croix
Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.
This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil.
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Salvador Prices
Brazil PricesSaint Croix Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $51Saint Croix $277
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $51, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $277. 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 Salvador and Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $23Saint Croix $149
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $46Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Saint Croix? 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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $5.78Saint Croix $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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Bus from Airport$1.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $15
- Shared Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $15
- Shared Transfer - North Coast: $21
- Transfer Hotel in Salvador / Salvador Airport: $22
- Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel in Salvador: $22
- Tourism and Transfer Salvador and Morro de São Paulo: $23
- Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $26
- Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
- Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $31
- Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel Litoral Norte: $35
- Salvador Airport (SSA) to Salvador - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $167
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $87
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $180
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Port to St. Croix Airport (STX): $87
- Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $175
- Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $175
- St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $84
- St. Croix to St. Croix Airport (STX) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
- St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Salvador 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 daySalvador $21Saint Croix $97
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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Dinner for 2$1.31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
- Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $85
- Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner: $91
- Hands-On Bahian Cooking Class with Caipirinhas in Salvador: $95
- Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $95
- Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
- Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $140
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $146
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $170
- Authentic Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $175
- Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $179
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.
- A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
- A Morning Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
- C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $131
- Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.45Saint Croix $58
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $4.48
- Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $12
- City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
- Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
- Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $22
- Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $22
- Panoramic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Historic City Tour in Salvador: $25
- Panoramic City Tour in Salvador: $25
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Historical Salvador City Tour: $26
- Panoramic Salvador Half Day City Tour: $26
Tours and Activities in Saint Croix
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:
- Christiansted's Artisan Shopping Tour: $33
- St. Croix Ghost Tour of Historic Christiansted: $45
- Frederiksted Moke Tour: $75
- The Frederiksted St. Croix Sea Turtles Snorkeling Tour: $89
- Guided Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay Ecology and History: $115
- St Croix Island Tour: $118
- Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
- Horseback Riding Experience: $160
- Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.17Saint Croix $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.31
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Drinks$2.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Croix
Also in Saint Croix, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Farm to Bottle Tour at Prosperity Farm Distillery: $35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador is in South America and Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Croix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Croix than you might in Salvador.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Salvador or Saint Croix?
Salvador has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Croix experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Salvador or Saint Croix in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Saint Croix. Many visitors come to Salvador in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croixin July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. September to February in Salvador is the dry season. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Salvador.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Saint Croix. Most visitors come to Salvador for the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Saint Croix. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Saint Croixin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Saint Croix in the Winter?
Both Saint Croix and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Salvador because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Salvador is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Salvador is September to February. The rainy season in Salvador is March to August.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Saint Croix in the Spring?
Both Saint Croix and Salvador during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Salvador this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In October, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croixin April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Saint Croixin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Salvador
| Salvador | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.