Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Saint Croix or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Croix or Kailua-Kona? 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 Kailua-Kona?
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.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
-
Saint Croix Prices
USVI PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Croix $277Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $277, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Croix $149Kailua-Kona $141
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Croix $298Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix or Kailua-Kona? 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: Saint Croix Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Croix $35Kailua-Kona $45
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Croix or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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 daySaint Croix $97Kailua-Kona $100
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 Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Croix $58Kailua-Kona $40
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 Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
-
Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
-
1 Day Kayak Rental$47
-
2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Croix $27Kailua-Kona $15
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 Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint Croix or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
Both Kailua-Kona 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.
In July, Saint Croix is generally a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 29°C (83°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
In July, Saint Croix usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Croix 29°C (83°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona 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.
Saint Croix is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Croix. Saint Croix usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Croix 28°C (82°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Croix and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
In the winter, Saint Croix is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Croix in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (23°C).
Kailua-Kona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Croix 26°C (78°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Saint Croix or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Croix as well as Kailua-Kona. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Saint Croix is generally a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 27°C (80°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).
Saint Croix usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kailua-Kona. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Croix 27°C (80°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Saint Croix
| Saint Croix | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
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.