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

Should you visit Saint John's or Pensacola?

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

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

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.

Pensacola

With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pensacola 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 Pensacola is $234. 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 Pensacola in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint John's $120
    Pensacola $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint John's $240
    Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Pensacola

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


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint John's $17
    Pensacola $64
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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

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

Prices for flights to both Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $84

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

Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

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


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

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

  • Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint John's $103
    Pensacola $13
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

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


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

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

  • Pensacola's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided App Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
  • The Great Pensacola Birthday Party Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Pensacola Ghost Tours: Perdition, Pirates, & Purgatory: $24
  • Spooky Stories Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Pensacola Haunted Walking Tour with Ghost Equipment: $30
  • Pensacola Amazing Race Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Pensacola Most Haunted Ghost Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • North Hill Historic Homes Tour of Pensacola: $32
  • Pensacola Ghost Tours: Perdition, Pirates, & Purgatory: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint John's $18
    Pensacola $44

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

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

  • Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
  • Walking Pub Tour : $21
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45


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

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 Pensacola Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Pensacola?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's and Pensacola, 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 Pensacola?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola in the Summer?

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

Saint John's is around the same temperature as Pensacola in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Pensacola fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F) 
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Pensacola. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Pensacola in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint John's is a little warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John's in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Pensacola averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Pensacola. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F) 
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C)

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

Both Pensacola 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, most visitors come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 24°C (76°F), and Pensacola fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. In January, Saint John's usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F) 
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C)

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

Both Pensacola 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches.

Saint John's is a little warmer than Pensacola in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Pensacola fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Pensacola. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F) 
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Pensacola and Saint John's

Saint John's Pensacola
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)