Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Valdivia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Valdivia or Saint Croix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Valdivia or Saint Croix? 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: Valdivia or Saint Croix?
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
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 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayValdivia $69Saint Croix $236
The average daily cost (per person) in Valdivia is $69, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $236. 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 Valdivia and Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personValdivia $40Saint Croix $149
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomValdivia $80Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Valdivia and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Valdivia 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: Valdivia Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Valdivia $8.08Saint Croix $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
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: $217
- St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $217
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $164
- St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $109
- Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $109
- Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $71
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $71
- Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $49
- Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Valdivia or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Valdivia 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 dayValdivia $21Saint Croix $56
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
- Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $129
- C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Valdivia $13Saint Croix $58
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Private City Tour: $90
Tours and Activities in Saint Croix
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:
- 1 Hour Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands : $250
- 30 Minute Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands: $150
- Grange Estate History and Heritage Private Tour and Luncheon : $60
- Horseback Riding Experience: $160
- Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
- Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $75
- St Croix Island Tour: $100
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayValdivia $4.79Saint Croix $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valdivia and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valdivia 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 Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Valdivia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdivia Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Valdivia or Saint Croix?
Valdivia 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 Valdivia or Saint Croix in the Summer?
Both Saint Croix and Valdivia during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In the summer, Valdivia is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdivia in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.
Valdivia usually gets less rain in January than Saint Croixin July. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyValdivia 16°C (61°F)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Saint Croix. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Valdivia is generally much colder than Saint Croixin October. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Saint Croix receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Valdivia usually receives less rain than Saint Croixin October. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberValdivia 11°C (52°F)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Saint Croix in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Saint Croix. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
Valdivia is much colder than Saint Croix in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. Valdivia usually gets more rain in July than Saint Croixin January. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryValdivia 7°C (45°F)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Valdivia or Saint Croix in the Spring?
Both Saint Croix and Valdivia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Valdivia is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdivia in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. In October, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin April. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilValdivia 11°C (52°F)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Valdivia
| Valdivia | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.