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

Should you visit Tromso or Saint John?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tromso and Saint John can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Tromso or Saint John?

Tromso

The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.

Saint John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Tromso?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tromso Prices
    Norway Prices
    Saint John Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tromso $83
    Saint John $233

The average daily cost (per person) in Tromso is $83, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 Tromso and Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tromso $32
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tromso $64
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Tromso and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Tromso or Saint John? 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 Tromso


Hotels in Saint John


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: Tromso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tromso $11
    Saint John $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

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

  • Private Transfer Tromso Airport and City Vice Versa: $93
  • Tromsø Private Airport-Hotel Transfer Service up to 13 guests: $45
  • Tromso Cable Car Arctic Panorama Transfer: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Tromso or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John and Tromso 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
    Tromso $43
    Saint John $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

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

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $185
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $201
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $205

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tromso $6.59
    Saint John $23

Tours and Activities in Tromso

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.

  • Cod Tasting experience, Norwegian history and Food culture: $61
  • Mid-Day Polar Expedition Cruise Tour: $82
  • Tromsø: Northern Lights Adventure with Free Photos: $86
  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $92
  • 4 Hour Aurora Tour Photos Snacks and Warm Drinks Included: $98
  • 7 hours Tromsø Aurora Tour: Photos, snacks & warm drinks included: $98
  • Northern Lights Walking Tour: $123
  • Northern Lights Tour in Tromso : $123
  • Express Fjord Road trip with Cruise Ship Pick up and Drop off: $129
  • Tromsø: Kvaløya & Sommarøy Guided Fjord Tour with Lunch: $131
  • Aurora tour: $134
  • Arctic fjord and Landscape Tour: $139

Tours and Activities in Saint John

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tromso $5.47
    Saint John $44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tromso and Saint John, we can see that Saint John is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tromso is in Europe and Saint John 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 Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John than you might in Tromso.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tromso Expensive? and Is Saint John Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Tromso or Saint John?

Tromso has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Saint John in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Saint John. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tromso this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

In the summer, Tromso is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tromso in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint John averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Tromso usually gets more rain in July than Saint John. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tromso 12°C (54°F) 
    Saint John 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Tromso or Saint John in the Autumn?

Both Saint John and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In October, Tromso is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 3°C (37°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John. It's quite rainy in Tromso. In October, Tromso usually receives less rain than Saint John. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tromso 3°C (37°F) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Tromso or Saint John in the Winter?

Both Saint John and Tromso during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tromso in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

Tromso can get quite cold in the winter. Tromso is much colder than Saint John in the winter. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Tromso usually gets more rain in January than Saint John. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tromso -4°C (25°F) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tromso or Saint John in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Saint John. Most visitors come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tromso can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tromso is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tromso in April average around 1°C (33°F), and Saint John averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In April, Tromso usually receives less rain than Saint John. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tromso 1°C (33°F) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Tromso

Tromso Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 1°C (33°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 10°C (49°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 3°C (37°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov -1°C (31°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec -3°C (27°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)