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

Should you visit Chattanooga or Saint Croix?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga 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: Chattanooga or Saint Croix?

Chattanooga

Located on the Tennessee River near the border of the U.S. state of Georgia, Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth largest city and a major transportation hub. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its once dilapidated downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront, including the restoration of the historic Walnut Street Bridge.

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


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Chattanooga?

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

  • Chattanooga Prices
    USA Prices
    Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chattanooga $225
    Saint Croix $277

The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $225, 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 Chattanooga and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chattanooga $92
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chattanooga $184
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga


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: Chattanooga Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

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

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:


  • Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chattanooga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chattanooga:

  • Private One Way Transfer from/to Chattanooga Airport and Hotels: $185

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 Chattanooga or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Chattanooga 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
    Chattanooga $103
    Saint Croix $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga

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

  • Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
  • Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $119
  • ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $119
  • Southside Food Tour with Lunch: $129
  • Downtown Food Tour with 3-4 Tastings: $139

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.
    Chattanooga $52
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Chattanooga

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

  • Chattanooga Blues to Bridges Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • National Medal of Honor Heritage Museum Admission Ticket in Chattanooga: $14
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $23
  • Chattanooga Crypts and Chills Ghost Tour: $24
  • Original Local Award-Winning Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Walking Tour: $25
  • A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $30
  • Family Friendly Ghost Tour in Chattanooga: $30
  • Ghost & Booze Tour of Chattanooga - 21+ Over: $31
  • Chattanooga Crypts and Chills Ghost Tour: $32
  • The Flash City Sightseeing Tour by Trolley: $34
  • The Flash: 1 Hour City Tour : $34

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
    Chattanooga $24
    Saint Croix $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Chattanooga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chattanooga:

  • Distillery Tour at Gate 11: $18
  • Chattanooga Wine Tasting with Art Sightseeing Tour: $180

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 Chattanooga and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Chattanooga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chattanooga is in North 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 Chattanooga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga.

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



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

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Saint Croix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Saint Croix. The summer months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Chattanooga is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chattanooga 81°F (27°C) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Saint Croix. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

Chattanooga is much colder than Saint Croix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Saint Croix. Chattanooga usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chattanooga 63°F (17°C) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Saint Croix in the Winter?

Both Saint Croix and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. In the winter, Chattanooga is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chattanooga in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chattanooga 40°F (5°C) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Chattanooga or Saint Croix in the Spring?

Both Saint Croix and Chattanooga during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

In April, Chattanooga is generally much colder than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 62°F (17°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Saint Croix. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chattanooga 62°F (17°C) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Chattanooga

Chattanooga Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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