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

Should you visit Hot Springs or Saint Croix?

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

Should I visit Hot Springs 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: Hot Springs or Saint Croix?

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.

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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Hot Springs?

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

  • Hot Springs Prices
    USA Prices
    Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hot Springs $220
    Saint Croix $277

The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $220, 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 Hot Springs and Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hot Springs $100
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hot Springs $200
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs


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: Hot Springs Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hot Springs $47
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:

  • Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $126

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 Hot Springs or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Hot Springs 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
    Hot Springs $90
    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.
    Hot Springs $30
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Hot Springs

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

  • Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67

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
    Hot Springs $22
    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 Hot Springs and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Hot Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs.

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



When is the best time to visit Hot Springs or Saint Croix?

Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs or Saint Croix in the Summer?

Both Saint Croix and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

In July, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

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

In October, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Saint Croix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Saint Croix. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hot Springs. Hot Springs is much colder than Saint Croix in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Hot Springs or Saint Croix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Saint Croix. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

In the spring, Hot Springs is cooler than Saint Croix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Saint Croix. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Hot Springs

Hot Springs Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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