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

Should you visit Duck or Saint Croix?

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

Should I visit Duck 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: Duck or Saint Croix?

Duck

Duck is a resort town in Dare County, North Carolina. The town is quite small, with a year around population of just 369, but during the peak summer months the tourist crowds can climb to over 20,000. Duck is also the northernmost incorporated town in the county, and also the newest town in the Outer Banks, having been incorporated on May 1st, 2002.

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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Duck?

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

  • Duck Prices
    USA Prices
    Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck $221
    Saint Croix $277

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $221, 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 Duck and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Duck and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Duck 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 Duck


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: Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Saint 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 Duck or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Duck 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
    Duck $78
    Saint Croix $97

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.
    Duck $13
    Saint Croix $58

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
    Duck $45
    Saint 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 Duck and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Duck much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Duck 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 Duck would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Duck 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 Duck.

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



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

Duck 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 Duck or Saint Croix in the Summer?

Both Saint Croix and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Duck is cooler than Saint Croix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 29°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Duck. In July, Duck usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Duck or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

Both Saint Croix and Duck during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

In October, Duck is generally much colder than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 62°F (16°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Duck usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Duck or Saint Croix in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Duck. Duck is much colder than Saint Croix in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Duck usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Duck or Saint Croix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Duck as well as Saint Croix. Many visitors come to Duck in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

In the spring, Duck is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Duck usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Croix. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Duck

Duck Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)