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.
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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.
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Alesund Prices
Norway PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlesund $143Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Alesund is $143, 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlesund $62Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlesund $124Saint 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alesund $30Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $225
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $213
- Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $213
- Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $189
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $165
- Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $162
- Private Transfer from Alesund city hotels to Maloy Cruise Port: $160
- Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Maloy Cruise Port: $160
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $104
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $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:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Secret Harbour Beach Transfer from CruiseShip-Snorkeling Optional: $52
- Private transfer to Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal: $55
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $81
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Ritz-Carlton - St. Thomas: $90
- Private Airport Transfer to and from Red Hook Ferry: $90
- St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $96
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $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
- Prince Taxi USVI- ST.Thomas Aiport Transfer to Crown bay ferry: $120
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
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Food Meals for one dayAlesund $61Saint 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:
- St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $109
- 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
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres: $139
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alesund $19Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Alesund
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:
- Ålesund - Geiranger - Ålesund Sightseeing Roundtrip: $216
- Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $48
- 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $157
- Alesund Shore Excursion: The Atlantic Highlights Tour: $152
- Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $140
- Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $74
- Trollstigen, Troll Wall & Romsdal Alps Day Tour: $178
- All About the Fjords in One Tour by Boat and Bus from Ålesund: $173
- All About the Fjords in One Tour by Bus and Boat from Ålesund: $172
- Alnes Lighthouse, Sunnmøre Museum, Aksla and City Sightseeing: $139
- E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $194
- Experience Molde with Coach Travel: $149
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing 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: $30
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port: $45
- St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
- Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlesund $14Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.