A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint John vs. Niagara Falls for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint John or Niagara Falls?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint John and Niagara Falls. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Saint John or Niagara Falls?

Saint John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Saint John?

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

  • Saint John Prices
    USVI Prices
    Niagara Falls Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint John $233
    Niagara Falls $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John is $233, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $149. 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 John and Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John $106
    Niagara Falls $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John $212
    Niagara Falls $152
Compare Hotels in Saint John and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Saint John or Niagara Falls? 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 John


Hotels in Niagara Falls


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: Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John $49
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $179
  • Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Fixed Price :- Private Transfers Niagara falls Hotel OR Pearson Toronto Airport : $292
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $101
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $101
  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Hamilton: $360
  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Pearson: $1,851
  • Niagara Falls to Pearson Toronto Airport Private Transfer: $275
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Saint John 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 John $97
    Niagara Falls $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

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

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $106
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $139
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $162
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $176
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $193
  • Night Tour with Fireworks Boat Ride & Dinner: $197
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $197
  • Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $199
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Premium Night Tour with Boat & Dinner: $215
  • Niagara Falls Premium Night Tour: Fireworks Boat Cruise & Dinner: $241
  • Day & Night Tour with Boat Ride and Dinner: $279

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John $23
    Niagara Falls $19

Tours and Activities in Saint John

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

  • St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

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


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

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

  • Niagara Peninsula: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.79
  • Explore Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • RiverBrink Art Museum: Historical Walking Tour of Queenston: $11
  • Niagara Adventure Theater Experience with Popcorn included: $11
  • Niagara Legends of Adventure Admission Ticket with Popcorn: $12
  • Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Admission Ticket: $12
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
  • Tower Hotel Observation Deck Ticket: $13
  • Niagara Falls Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour from Toronto: $14
  • Explore Niagara Falls with Private Scavenger Hunt Tour: $15
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Canadiana - The Musical Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John $44
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

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

  • Black Glass Wine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $59
  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $61
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $95
  • Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour: $110
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $117
  • Beer and Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $118
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $122
  • Wine Tasting and lavender Farm Tours: $125
  • Relaxing Afternoon Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $125
  • Vine and Dine Bicycle Wine Tour with Lunch : $125
  • Vintage Wine Tour In Niagara County USA: $139


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint John Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint John or Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Saint John or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John and Niagara Falls. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint John is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint John in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In July, Saint John usually receives around the same amount of rain as Niagara Falls. Saint John gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John 29°C (83°F) 
    Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Saint John or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

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

In October, Saint John is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 28°C (82°F), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Saint John receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Saint John gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John 28°C (82°F) 
    Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Saint John or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Saint John are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. Saint John is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

In January, Saint John usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Saint John gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John 26°C (78°F) 
    Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)

Should I visit Saint John or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Saint John during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint John is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint John in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Niagara Falls averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Saint John usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Saint John gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John 27°C (80°F) 
    Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Saint John

Saint John Niagara Falls
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -4°C (26°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -3°C (28°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 22°C (72°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) -0°C (31°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)


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