Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Destin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Destin or Saint Croix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Saint Croix can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Saint Croix?
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Destin Prices
USA PricesSaint Croix Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDestin $229Saint Croix $277
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $229, 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 Destin and Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Saint Croix $149
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Destin and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Destin 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: Destin Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Saint Croix $35
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 Destin or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Destin 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
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Food Meals for one dayDestin $89Saint Croix $97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views: $125
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $128
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Destin $17Saint Croix $58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- Party Cruise aboard the Soundside Cruiser: $19
- Santa Cruise on the Sound: $25
- Milton Splash and Dash Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Destin Dolphin Cruise: $30
- Kayak Adventure in Destin and Fort Walton Beach : $33
- Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
- Sandestin Sunset Eco-Dolphin Cruise Aboard Sol y Luna: $35
- Hydro Rocket Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Destin: $35
- Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $37
- Spectacular Sunset Cruise: $38
- The Maximum Magic Show Ticket: $39
- Destin Family Friendly Dolphin Watching Adventure: $40
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDestin $49Saint Croix $27
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 Destin and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Destin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Destin 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 Destin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Destin 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 Destin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Destin Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Destin or Saint Croix?
Destin 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 Destin or Saint Croix in the Summer?
Both Saint Croix and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Destin is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 29°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDestin 82°F (28°C)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Destin or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
Both Saint Croix and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In October, Destin is generally cooler than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDestin 69°F (21°C)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Destin or Saint Croix in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Saint Croix. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Destin is much colder than Saint Croix in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDestin 50°F (10°C)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Destin or Saint Croix in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Saint Croix. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
In the spring, Destin is cooler than Saint Croix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 27°C (80°F).
Destin usually gets more rain in April than Saint Croix. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDestin 68°F (20°C)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Destin
| Destin | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 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.