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

Should you visit Saint Croix or Maui?

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

Should I visit Saint Croix or Maui? 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 Maui?

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.

Maui

Who hasn't spent at least one Monday morning fantasizing about holding a mai tai on a Hawaiian beach? A trip to Maui may be just what we all have in mind, but it's so much more than a drink on a sandy towel.

At over 700 square miles, the island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands with a small population of just over 140,000 people. The island enjoys approximately two seasons a year with a mild climate just about everywhere. Rough living, right?

Voted "Best Island in the World" by many in the travel industry, Maui is the center for whale watching, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and the home of a large and lush rainforest.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Maui 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
    Maui Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Croix $277
    Maui $343

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $277, while the average daily cost in Maui is $343. 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 Maui in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Croix $149
    Maui $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Croix $298
    Maui $282
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and Maui

Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix or Maui? 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 Maui


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 Maui Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Croix $35
    Maui $62

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 : $180
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:

  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $39
  • Maui Kahului Airport OGG Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer Kahului Airport OGG to Maui Kihei Lahaina Wailea: $42
  • Kahului OGG Airport and Kihei Wailea Hotels Private Transfer: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Croix or Maui?

Prices for flights to both Maui 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
    Maui $162

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Maui

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Maui.

  • From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $140
  • Ma'alaea Sunset Prime Rib or Fresh Island Fish Dinner Cruise : $150
  • Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
  • Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise - A Hawaiian Hula Experience: $158
  • South Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks: $166
  • Migrations Cultural Dinner Show at Seascape Restaurant on Maui: $185
  • Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance Plus Dinner: $219
  • Haleakala Maui Sunset Twilight Tour with Dinner: $255

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Croix $58
    Maui $38

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

Tours and Activities in Maui

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

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Haleakala: $7.99
  • Maui Beach Parks Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Discover Lahaina: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Ultimate Self-Driving Audio Tour of Road to Hana, Maui: $15
  • Maui "Reverse" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • West Maui Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Road To Hana: $20
  • Maui "Loop" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • Ultimate Hawaii Road Trip: 4-Island Self-Guided Audio Tours: $27
  • Hawaiian Islands Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $30
  • Maui Adventure Bundle: 6 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Including Road to Hana: $35
  • Alpaca Farm Experience on the Road to Hana: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Croix $27
    Maui $41

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Maui

Also in Maui, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery and Beach Cruise in a Vintage VW Bus : $229


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Croix and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Saint Croix much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands and Maui is in North America, 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 Saint Croix would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Croix 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 Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui than you might in Saint Croix.

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 Maui Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Croix or Maui?

Maui 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 Maui in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Croix and Maui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

Saint Croix is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In July, Saint Croix usually receives more rain than Maui. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F) 
    Maui 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Maui in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Croix as well as Maui. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Croix is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Croix in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

Saint Croix receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Croix usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F) 
    Maui 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Saint Croix are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint Croix is generally a little warmer than Maui. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 26°C (78°F), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Maui. In January, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Maui. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F) 
    Maui 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Maui in the Spring?

Both Maui and Saint Croix during the spring 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, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Croix is a little warmer than Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Saint Croix usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F) 
    Maui 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Maui and Saint Croix

Saint Croix Maui
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 76°F (24°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 78°F (25°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 78°F (26°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)