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

Should you visit Saint John's or Maui?

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

Should I visit Saint John's or Maui? 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 Maui?

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.

Maui

Who hasn't spent at least one Monday morning fantasizing about holding a mai tai on a Hawaiian beach? A trip to Maui may be just what we all have in mind, but it's so much more than a drink on a sandy towel.

At over 700 square miles, the island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands with a small population of just over 140,000 people. The island enjoys approximately two seasons a year with a mild climate just about everywhere. Rough living, right?

Voted "Best Island in the World" by many in the travel industry, Maui is the center for whale watching, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, and the home of a large and lush rainforest.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Maui 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $272, while the average daily cost in Maui is $343. 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 Maui in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Maui $141
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Maui $282
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Maui

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Maui? 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 Johns


Hotels in Maui


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: Maui Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Maui $62
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:

  • 3-Hours Eye-Opening Stingray City Antigua - Transfer R/T included: $133
  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $109
  • Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $93
  • Antigua to Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) - Departure Transfer: $64
  • Antigua&Barbuda Airport (ANU) to Antigua&Barbuda Private Transfer: $46
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • Biggvee Premium Airport One Way Transfer: $200
  • Crystal Kayak & Snorkel Eco Tour (with transfer): $99
  • JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
  • Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
  • Private Antigua Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hammock Cove: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maui

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maui:

  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) to Maui hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Maui Kahului Airport OGG: $39
  • Private Transfer Kahului Airport OGG to Maui Kihei Lahaina Wailea: $42
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Kahului Airport(OGG): $173
  • Private Transfer from Lahaina Cruise Port to Maui city hotels: $173
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Maui Airport to Hotel: $16
  • VIP Private Maui OGG Arrival Transfer in Black Cadillac Escalade: $259

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Maui?

Prices for flights to both Maui 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 day
    Saint John's $117
    Maui $162

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 Maui

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

  • From Ma'alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver: $140
  • Ma'alaea Sunset Prime Rib or Fresh Island Fish Dinner Cruise : $150
  • Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $154
  • Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise - A Hawaiian Hula Experience: $158
  • South Gilligans' Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks: $166
  • Authentic Hawaiian Dinner Pa'ina with Natives in Hana: $185
  • Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance Plus Dinner: $219
  • Haleakala Maui Sunset Twilight Tour with Dinner: $255

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Maui $38
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 Maui

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

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Haleakala: $7.99
  • Maui Beach Parks Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Discover Lahaina: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Maui "Reverse" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • Maui "Loop" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour: $20
  • West Maui Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Haleakala Sunset and Stargazing Audio Tour: $20
  • Haleakala Sunrise Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Maui: $25
  • Ultimate Hawaii Road Trip: 4-Island Self-Guided Audio Tours: $27
  • Hawaiian Islands Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $30
  • From Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watch Cruise Aboard the Malolo: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    Maui $41

Sample the Local Flavors in Maui

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

  • Brewery and Beach Cruise in a Vintage VW Bus : $229


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

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 Maui Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Saint John's or Maui?

Maui 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 Maui in the Summer?

Both Maui and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

Saint John's is around the same temperature as Maui in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Maui fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Maui during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Maui. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Maui 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Saint John's during the autumn 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. Also, many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint John's is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John's in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Maui averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the autumn, Saint John's often gets less sunshine than Maui. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Maui. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Maui 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Maui in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Maui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Also, many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint John's is generally around the same temperature as Maui. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 24°C (76°F), and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Maui during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun in the winter.

Maui receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Maui. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Maui 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Saint John's or Maui in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Maui. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint John's is around the same temperature as Maui in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Maui fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the spring, Saint John's often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun.

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Maui. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Maui 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Maui and Saint John's

Saint John's Maui
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 76°F (24°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 78°F (25°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 80°F (26°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 78°F (26°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)