Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Raleigh?
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 Raleigh or Saint Croix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Raleigh 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: Raleigh or Saint Croix?
Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.
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.
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Raleigh Prices
USA PricesSaint Croix Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRaleigh $231Saint Croix $277
The average daily cost (per person) in Raleigh is $231, 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 Raleigh and Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRaleigh $104Saint Croix $149
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRaleigh $208Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Raleigh and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Raleigh 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: Raleigh Hotel Prices and Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Raleigh $37Saint Croix $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:
- Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $139
- Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $277
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 : $179
- 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 Raleigh or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix and Raleigh 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 dayRaleigh $99Saint Croix $97
Typical Food Prices in Raleigh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:
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The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)$84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Craft Beer Bar in Raleigh: $75
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.Raleigh $37Saint Croix $58
Tours and Activities in Raleigh
Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Raleigh Downtown Smartphone Guided GPS App Walking Tour : $9.75
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Chapel Hill NC: $15
- Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour: $18
- Chapel Hill Historic Churches History and Architecture Tour: $18
- Raleigh True Crime Tour: $19
- Historic Oakwood: History & Architecture Tour: $19
- Downtown Cary Historian-Guided Tour: $19
- Raleigh African American History Tour: $19
- Chapel Hill LGBT History Tour: $19
- Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham: $19
- Chapel Hill True Crime Walking Tour: $19
- Durham True Crime Tour: $19
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 dayRaleigh $27Saint 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 Raleigh and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Raleigh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Raleigh 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 Raleigh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Raleigh 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 Raleigh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Raleigh Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Raleigh or Saint Croix?
Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Saint Croix in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Saint Croix. The summer months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Raleigh is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 79°F (26°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
Raleigh gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 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 JulyRaleigh 79°F (26°C)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Raleigh or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Saint Croix. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
Raleigh is much colder than Saint Croix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Saint Croix. Raleigh usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 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 OctoberRaleigh 61°F (16°C)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Raleigh or Saint Croix in the Winter?
Both Saint Croix and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the museums 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 Raleigh. In the winter, Raleigh is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Raleigh in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Saint Croix averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In January, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 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 JanuaryRaleigh 40°F (5°C)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Raleigh or Saint Croix in the Spring?
Both Saint Croix and Raleigh during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the spring for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In April, Raleigh is generally much colder than Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 60°F (16°C), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Raleigh usually gets more rain in April than Saint Croix. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 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 AprilRaleigh 60°F (16°C)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Raleigh
| Raleigh | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 76°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (78 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.