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

Should you visit Saint John or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Seattle 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
    Seattle Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint John $233
    Seattle $242

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John is $233, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John $106
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John $212
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Saint John and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Saint John or Seattle? 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 Seattle


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: Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John $49
    Seattle $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Private Transfer from Seattle Airport SEA to Smith Cove Terminal: $38
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport private transfer. Pick up: $47
  • Airport Transfer From Seattle Airport to Hotels and Home: $265
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Business Car: $113
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Luxury Car: $160
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Luxury SUV: $130
  • Arrival Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle by SUV: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA in Business Car: $112
  • Departure Private Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA in Luxury Car: $160
  • Departure Private Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA in Luxury SUV: $130
  • Departure Transfer: Seattle to Seattle Airport SEA by SUV: $130
  • From Seattle Airport - Transfer to Hotel & Homes: $265

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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
    Seattle $88

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

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


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

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

  • Bite-Sized Seattle History & Food Tour: $26
  • Meet Me at the Market Food Tour: $44
  • Taste Pike Place Walking Food Tour: $63
  • Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $71
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $72
  • Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $73
  • Gnocchi Cooking Class With Local Chef in Seattle: $75
  • Japanese Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Seattle Pike Market Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours: $75
  • Street Food Tour of South Lake Union- Area of Amazon Spheres : $77
  • Plant Based in Pike Place Food Tour (GF available): $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John $23
    Seattle $16

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

Tours and Activities in Seattle

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

  • Historic Ballard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Seattle's Quirky History: $5.99
  • Seattle Time Travel Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Everett by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Downtown Seattle Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Uncover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Seattle Audio Tour on Capital Hill Adventure: $15
  • Seattle Kraken Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $19
  • National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $20
  • Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket: $20
  • Smith Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $22
  • Seattle City Walking Tour: Along the Waterfront: $22
  • Seattle Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John $44
    Seattle $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Seattle Bar Crawl Belltown Bar Blitz: $15
  • Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $45
  • Diverse Wine Tasting Experience Near Pike Place Market: $75
  • Diverse Wine Tasting Experience with Bites: $75
  • Woodinville Guided Wine Tour with Optional Tastings: $109
  • Bainbridge Island Discovery and Wine Tour: $159
  • Hollywood Artisan Wine Tasting Experience: $249
  • All-inclusive Wine Tasting and Lunch Experience: $249
  • Private Wine Tour on Whidbey Island, WA 7hrs: $288
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $344


When comparing the travel costs between Saint John and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 John is in Caribbean Islands and Seattle 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 John Expensive? and Is Seattle Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint John or Seattle?

Seattle 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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John and Seattle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint John is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 29°C (83°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In July, Saint John usually receives more rain than Seattle. Saint John gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John 29°C (83°F) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Saint John or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint John as well as Seattle. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint John is much warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Saint John receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Saint John gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Saint John or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle 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, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the winter, Saint John is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Saint John usually receives less rain than Seattle. Saint John gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John 26°C (78°F) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit Saint John or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle 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, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint John is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Saint John average around 27°C (80°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Saint John usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Saint John gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John 27°C (80°F) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Saint John

Saint John Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)