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

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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: Clearwater or Saint Croix?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

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


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Clearwater?

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

  • Clearwater Prices
    USA Prices
    Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Clearwater $343
    Saint Croix $277

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $343, 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 Clearwater and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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 Clearwater


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $70

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 Clearwater or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $79
    Saint Croix $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Clearwater

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

  • Clearwater Beach Fun and Tropical Food Tour: $99
  • Clearwater Beach: Tropical Delights Walking Food Tour: $106
  • Taste of Downtown St Petersburg-A Walking/Food Tour: $115

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.
    Clearwater -
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $14
  • St Petersburg Ultimate (ALL-IN-ONE) City Trolley Tour : $25
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Clearwater; Aspirations Winery Tour and Tasting Experience: $27
  • Happy Hour Cruise: $27
  • Dolphin Watching Intercoastal Cruise: $27
  • Clearwater Beach Tiki Getaway Cruise BYOB: $27
  • Clearwater Beach: Sunset and Harbor Lights Cruise: $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise: $28
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise: $29

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
    Clearwater -
    Saint Croix $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • Saint Petersburg Bar Crawl: $15
  • St Petersburg Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $25
  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $25

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 Clearwater and Saint Croix, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Saint Croix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Clearwater 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 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.



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

Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Saint Croix in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Clearwater is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Clearwater in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 29°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

Both Saint Croix and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

In October, Clearwater is generally cooler than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 75°F (24°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Croix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Saint Croix. Many visitors come to Clearwater 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.

Clearwater is much colder than Saint Croix in the winter. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Croix in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Clearwater is cooler than Saint Croix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Clearwater in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croix. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Clearwater

Clearwater Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)