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

Should you visit Saint Croix or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Saint Croix or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine?

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.

Portland, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine 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
    Portland, Maine Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Croix $277
    Portland, Maine $227

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $277, while the average daily cost in Portland, Maine is $227. 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 Portland, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Croix $149
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Croix $298
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix or Portland, Maine? 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 Portland, Maine


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 Portland, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Croix $35
    Portland, Maine $34

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 Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Croix or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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
    Portland, Maine $84

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 Portland, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland, Maine

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

  • Portland: Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Croix $58
    Portland, Maine $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

Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine

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

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
  • Historical Walking Tour of Portland’s Old Port District: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
  • Portland Maine Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $20
  • 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • Port City Lights Cruise: $39
  • Portland: Sightseeing Cruise to Portland Head Light: $41
  • Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine: $42
  • Tour in Vintage Fire Engine: $43
  • Portland: Land and Sea Tour Duck Tour with a Guide: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Croix $27
    Portland, Maine $24

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 Portland, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Old Port Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $99
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Croix and Portland, Maine, we can see that Saint Croix is more expensive. And not only is Portland, Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands and Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine.

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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint Croix or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Saint Croix is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Croix in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

In July, Saint Croix usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portland, Maine. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

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

In October, Saint Croix is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 28°C (82°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Saint Croix receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Croix usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine in the winter for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland, Maine can get quite cold in the winter. Saint Croix is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In January, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Saint Croix is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Croix in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Saint Croix usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Saint Croix

Saint Croix Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)


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