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

Should you visit Saint Croix or Bar Harbor?

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

Should I visit Saint Croix or Bar Harbor? 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: Saint Croix or Bar Harbor?

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.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Saint Croix?

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

  • Saint Croix Prices
    USVI Prices
    Bar Harbor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Croix $277
    Bar Harbor $243

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $277, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $243. 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 Saint Croix and Bar Harbor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Croix $149
    Bar Harbor $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Croix $298
    Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and Bar Harbor

Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix or Bar Harbor? 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 Saint Croix


Hotels in Bar Harbor


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 and Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Croix $35
    Bar Harbor $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 Saint Croix or Bar Harbor?

Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Saint Croix 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
    Saint Croix $97
    Bar Harbor $98

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

Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Croix $58
    Bar Harbor $39

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $9.50
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $20
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $30
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Croix $27
    Bar Harbor $30

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 comparing the travel costs between Saint Croix and Bar Harbor, we can see that Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands and Bar Harbor is in North America, 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 Saint Croix Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Croix or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor 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 Saint Croix or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Saint Croix are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint Croix is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 29°C (83°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F) 
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Saint Croix during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Croix is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Croix. Saint Croix usually gets more rain in October than Bar Harbor. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F) 
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Croix and Bar Harbor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. In the winter, Saint Croix is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Croix in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F) 
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Croix as well as Bar Harbor. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Croix is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 27°C (80°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Saint Croix usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F) 
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Saint Croix

Saint Croix Bar Harbor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)