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

Should you visit Saint Croix or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Saint Croix or Whistler? 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 Whistler?

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.

Whistler

Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Whistler 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
    Whistler Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Croix $277
    Whistler $146

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Croix is $277, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $146. 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 Whistler in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Croix $149
    Whistler $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Croix $298
    Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Saint Croix and Whistler

Looking for a hotel in Saint Croix or Whistler? 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 Whistler


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 Whistler Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Croix $35
    Whistler $20

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:

  • Vancouver Airport Private Transfer to Whistler: $133
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $560
  • Private Transfer from Richmond BC to Whistler: $684

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Croix or Whistler?

Prices for flights to both Whistler 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
    Whistler $52

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 Whistler

Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:


  • Coffee at Starbucks
    $12
  • Tim Hortons Breakfast
    $12
  • Coffee at Timmy's
    $3.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler

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

  • Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $121
  • Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $155

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Croix $58
    Whistler $78

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 Whistler

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


  • Driving Range
    $15

Tours and Activities in Whistler

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

  • Sea to Sky Highway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.12
  • Whistler Mountain Peeks Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $17
  • One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
  • Axe Throwing Experience: $35
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure with Geocaching in Whistler: $36
  • Vallea Lumina Multimedia Evening Experience: $45
  • Tour, Immersive Nature Experience: $52
  • Tour, Sensory Nature Experience for Families: $52
  • Backcountry Snowshoeing Tour with Guide: $90
  • Whistler Sightseeing Tour: Discover all of Whistler Year-Round!: $90
  • Mountain Breeze Tour - Mountain E Bike - Whistler Marmot Activity: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Croix $27
    Whistler $8.72

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

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 Whistler Expensive?.



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

Whistler 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 Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler 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, many visitors come to Whistler in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Croix is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 29°C (83°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Saint Croix usually receives more rain than Whistler. Saint Croix gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F) 
    Whistler 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler 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, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint Croix is much warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Croix averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Croix. Saint Croix usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Saint Croix gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F) 
    Whistler 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Croix and Whistler. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Whistler because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Whistler can be very cold. In the winter, Saint Croix is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Croix in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Croix usually receives less rain than Whistler. Saint Croix gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F) 
    Whistler 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Saint Croix or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Croix as well as Whistler. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In April, Saint Croix is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Saint Croix average around 27°C (80°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Saint Croix usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Saint Croix gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F) 
    Whistler 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Whistler and Saint Croix

Saint Croix Whistler
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)