Which place is cheaper, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Saint John's?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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 John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.
If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.
If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.
-
Saint John's Prices
Antigua and Barbuda PricesCarmel-by-the-Sea Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John's $272Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $272, while the average daily cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $0.00. 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's and Carmel-by-the-Sea in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John's $120Carmel-by-the-Sea -
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John's $240Carmel-by-the-Sea $0.00
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea? 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.
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: Carmel-by-the-Sea Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John's $17Carmel-by-the-Sea $125
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
-
Local Bus$1.52
-
Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
- Private Transfer from Antigua Airport (ANU) to St. John's Port: $42
- Antigua&Barbuda Airport (ANU) to Antigua&Barbuda Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfer from Antigua island hotels to St. John's Port: $57
- Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
- Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
- Antigua to Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) - Departure Transfer: $64
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $77
- Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $84
- Private Antigua Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hammock Cove: $90
- Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Prices for flights to both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Saint John's 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 daySaint John's $117Carmel-by-the-Sea $264
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
- Nicole's Table - Cooking with Rum: $165
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Old Monterey Walking Food Tour: $164
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John's $103Carmel-by-the-Sea -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Half Day Historical Tour in Antigua with Beach: $70
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
- SoCoHo Eco Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $85
- Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
- Biggvee Bus Adventure: $90
- Clear Kayak Tour in Mangrove Antigua: $90
- Trek Tours Hiking Experience in Antigua: $90
- Circumnavigate Tour: $95
Tours and Activities in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Carmel-by-the-Sea are as follows:
- Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Carmel-by-the-Sea Mission Areas: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Carmel on Foot Audio Tour: Courtyards, Artists & Ocean Views: $9.99
- Off the Beaten Path in A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Scenic Path A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between San Francisco & Monterey: $12
- Self Guided Driving Audio Tour of 17 Mile Drive Monterey: $14
- Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Carmel: $15
- Point Lobos - A Private Charming Ocean Tour: $15
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John's $18Carmel-by-the-Sea -
Sample the Local Flavors in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus.: $139
- Wine Tasting Tours in a Vintage VW Bus: $139
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea: $159
- Morning Half Day Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour : $236
- Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package: $245
- Afternoon Half-day Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $249
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John's and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint John's Expensive? and Is Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Saint John's has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Carmel-by-the-Sea, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John's experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Saint John's is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint John's in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 63°F (17°C).
Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John's 27°C (81°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (80°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John's 27°C (80°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.
Saint John's is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In January, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John's 24°C (76°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Saint John's or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?
Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Saint John's during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Saint John's is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint John's in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John's 26°C (78°F)Carmel-by-the-Sea 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Saint John's
| Saint John's | Carmel-by-the-Sea | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.