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

Should you visit Saint John's or Norfolk?

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

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

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.

Norfolk

The city of Norfolk in the U.S. state of Virginia is a port city holding a large Navy and shipping presence in its harbor. With a long history as a strategic military point, Norfolk is home to the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Other attractions include opportunities for dining, shopping, and entertainment as well as many parks and memorials.

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, Norfolk 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 Norfolk is $202. 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 Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Norfolk $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Norfolk $168
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Saint John's or Norfolk? 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 Norfolk


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: Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Norfolk $54
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 Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

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

Prices for flights to both Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $85

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 Norfolk

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

  • City Cruises Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise: $57
  • City Cruises Buffet Dinner Cruise : $103
  • 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise with Fireworks: $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Norfolk $14
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 Norfolk

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

  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin: $40
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $42
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Tour E-Bike Rental in Norfolk: $75
  • City Cruises Signature Lunch Cruise: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    Norfolk $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Norfolk

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:

  • Norfolk Bar Crawl: $15


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

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 Norfolk Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Norfolk?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

In July, Saint John's is generally around the same temperature as Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (81°F), and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Norfolk during summer. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

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

Both Norfolk 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 Norfolk for the shopping scene.

Saint John's is much warmer than Norfolk in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Norfolk, 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 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 Norfolk. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C)

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

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

Norfolk can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint John's is much warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Norfolk averages at about 39°F (4°C).

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during winter. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint John's usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Norfolk. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 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 Norfolk. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Saint John's

Saint John's Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)