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

Should you visit Raleigh or Saint John?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or Saint John? 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 John?

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 John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

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 John or Raleigh?

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

  • Raleigh Prices
    USA Prices
    Saint John Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Raleigh $231
    Saint John $233

The average daily cost (per person) in Raleigh is $231, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Raleigh $104
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Raleigh $208
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Raleigh and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Raleigh or Saint John? 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 Raleigh


Hotels in Saint John


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Raleigh $37
    Saint John $49

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 to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $277
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Raleigh or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Raleigh $99
    Saint John $97
Typical Food Prices in Raleigh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:


  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Raleigh $37
    Saint John $23

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 John

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Raleigh $27
    Saint John $44


When comparing the travel costs between Raleigh and Saint John, we can see that Saint John is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Raleigh is in North America and Saint John is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 John Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Raleigh or Saint John?

Raleigh has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Saint John in the Summer?

Both Saint John and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Raleigh is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the summer temperatures in Raleigh in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Saint John averages at about 29°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Raleigh. In July, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Saint John. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Raleigh 79°F (26°C) 
    Saint John 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Raleigh or Saint John in the Autumn?

Both Saint John and Raleigh during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city's sights and attractions. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

In October, Raleigh is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 61°F (16°C), and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Saint John gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Raleigh usually gets less rain in October than Saint John. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Raleigh 61°F (16°C) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Raleigh or Saint John in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Saint John. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Raleigh in the winter. Raleigh is much colder than Saint John in the winter. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Saint John. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Raleigh 40°F (5°C) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Raleigh or Saint John in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Saint John. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

In the spring, Raleigh is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the spring temperatures in Raleigh in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Saint John averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Raleigh usually gets more rain in April than Saint John. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Raleigh 60°F (16°C) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Raleigh

Raleigh Saint John
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)


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