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

Should you visit Zurich or Saint Croix?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Saint Croix. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Zurich or Saint Croix?

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Zurich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $364, 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 Zurich and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $197
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $394
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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.

Hotels in Zurich


Hotels in Saint Croix


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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $41
    Saint Croix $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Zurich Airport Stress-Free Private Transfer: $36
  • ZRH Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $42
  • Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer to Zurich/Lucerne/Interlaken: $48
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $72
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $72
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
  • Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer : $81
  • Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $81
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Arrival Transfer: $84
  • Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $84
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Hotels to Zurich Airport: $87
  • Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $100

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $84
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $87
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Port to St. Croix Airport (STX): $87
  • St. Croix to St. Croix Airport (STX) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
  • St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $167
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $175
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $175
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Zurich 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
    Zurich $124
    Saint Croix $97
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.

  • Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
  • Zurich Food Tour of 10+ Swiss Specialties w/ Cheeses & Chocolates: $156

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $41
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $6.29
  • Zurich Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
  • Schaffhausen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
  • Zurich Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and city tour: $12
  • Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $13
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich: $13
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $16
  • Swiss National Museum Entry Ticket: $16
  • City Walking Tour Made in Zurich: $19

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $34
    Saint Croix $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $38
  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $39

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 Zurich and Saint Croix, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Saint Croix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe 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 Saint Croix would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Croix 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Saint Croix.

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



When is the best time to visit Zurich or Saint Croix?

Zurich 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 Zurich or Saint Croix in the Summer?

Both Saint Croix and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Zurich is cooler than Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

Both Saint Croix and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

In the autumn, Zurich is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Saint Croix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Saint Croix. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Saint Croix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Saint Croix. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

Zurich is much colder than Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Saint Croix. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Zurich

Zurich Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)