Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Alesund?
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 Alesund or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Alesund or Saint Thomas? 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: Alesund or Saint Thomas?
Alesund
Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.
-
Alesund Prices
Norway PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlesund $133Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Alesund is $133, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Alesund and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlesund $58Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlesund $116Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Alesund and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Alesund or Saint Thomas? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alesund $28Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $215
- Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $163
- Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $150
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $150
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $125
- Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $125
- Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $119
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $105
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $52
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $52
- Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$65
-
Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $135
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $144
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Alesund or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Alesund 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 dayAlesund $57Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alesund $18Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Alesund
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:
- Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $113
- Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $46
- 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $133
- Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $137
- Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $71
- All About the Fjords in One Tour by Boat and Bus from Ålesund: $164
- All About the Fjords in One Tour by Bus and Boat from Ålesund: $164
- E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $186
- Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $144
- Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $215
- Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $124
- Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $61
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlesund $13Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alesund and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alesund is in Europe and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas than you might in Alesund.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alesund Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alesund or Saint Thomas?
Alesund has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Alesund and Saint Thomas, 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 Alesund or Saint Thomas?
Alesund has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Alesund or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Alesund as well as Saint Thomas. The summer months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Alesund is much colder than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
Alesund usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Alesund gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlesund 12°C (54°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Alesund or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Alesund are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alesund this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Alesund is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alesund in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Alesund. In October, Alesund usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Alesund gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlesund 9°C (48°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Alesund or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Alesund during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. In January, Alesund is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 3°C (37°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. Alesund usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Alesund gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlesund 3°C (37°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Alesund or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alesund and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Alesund in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Alesund can get quite cold in the spring. Alesund is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 5°C (40°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In April, Alesund usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Alesund gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlesund 5°C (40°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Alesund
| Alesund | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (38°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (40°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 8°C (46°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (51°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (42°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
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.