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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Saint John?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Saint John? 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: West Palm Beach or Saint John?

West Palm Beach

One of Florida's most dynamic cities, West Palm Beach encapsulates the best of a metropolitan city all while nestled in the warm serenity of a tropical paradise. Located in southern Florida, about an hour's drive north of Miami, West Palm Beach holds a population of 99,919 and is one of the three main cities in South Florida. This city is known for its unique culture, world-class dining, and extensive shopping districts. From young to old, everyone can find their own niche in such a pleasant, diverse city. No matter what time of the year it may be, you can be assured that it is gorgeously sunny in West Palm Beach!

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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John or West Palm Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $330, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $192. 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 West Palm Beach and Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach


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: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Saint John $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $109
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Business Car: $94
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port - Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John and West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach $66
    Saint John $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

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

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Saint John $23

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 45-Minute Candy Evolution Tour with Guide: $13
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in West Palm Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Sound Bath Meditation and Yoga Experience: Retail Therapy Gift for Women: $25
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Avenue: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Ave: $49
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach: $51
  • Historical Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach: $51
  • Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise: $54

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
  • USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Saint John $44


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

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



When is the best time to visit West Palm Beach or Saint John?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Saint John in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Saint John. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Saint John in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Saint John. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint John 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Saint John in the Autumn?

Both Saint John and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Saint John averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John. It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Saint John. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Saint John in the Winter?

Both Saint John and West Palm Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

In January, West Palm Beach is generally cooler than Saint John. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in January than Saint John. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Saint John in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Saint John. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

West Palm Beach is cooler than Saint John in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Saint John. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)