Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)?
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 Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) and Saint Thomas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) or Saint Thomas?
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
Puerto Plata, nestled on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a captivating destination known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture. Whether you're arriving via the bustling Amber Cove cruise port or planning an extended stay, Puerto Plata offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.
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 Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
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Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) Prices
Dominican Republic PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $246Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) is $246, 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 Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $150Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $300Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $9.59Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
Also for Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Cibao Airport STI to Samana Cruise Port: $232
- Wheelchair accessible van Puerto plata to ( POP) airport Roundtrip transfer: $200
- Puerto Plata to Rio San Juan transfer: $189
- Private Transfer from Puerto Plata Airport to Hotels in Cabrera: $180
- Private Transfer from Santiago STI Airport to Santo Domingo: $160
- Private Transfer from STI Airport to Puerto Plata: $130
- Private Transfer Puerto Plata to Cibao Airport: $128
- Puerto Plata Airport (POP) to Cabrera/Nagua - Round Trip Transfer: $128
- Puerto Plata Airport (POP) to Cabrera/Nagua - Round-Trip Transfer: $128
- Private Santiago Airport Transfer to Puerto Plata Hotels: $120
- Puerto Plata VIP Transferencias y tours: $120
- Private Transfer from Cibao Airport (STI) to Puerto Plata Port: $116
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:
- St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $267
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $225
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $200
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $180
- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton: $180
- Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) 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 dayAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $80Saint 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
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- 2-Hour Pizza Pi and Snorkel Sail: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $43Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
For Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Snorkeling Tour$44
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Banana Boat Ride$6.34
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Paragliding$54
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1 Hr Kayak Rental$13
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Water Skiing$19
Tours and Activities in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Amber Cove (Puerto Plata).
- 27 Pools of Damajagua and City Tour of Puerto Plata: $100
- 27 Waterfalls Puerto Plata: Special for Cruise Ship People: $79
- 27 Waterfalls and Monkey Jungle Adventure in Puerto Plata: $120
- 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua: 7 Charcos Adventure Experience: $55
- 2x1: City Tour & Monkey Encounter tour combo Puerto plata: $135
- 3 Hours Buggy Adventure from Puerto Plata: $124
- 3x1: Puerto Plata Cable Car, City Tour & Monkeyland: $199
- 7 Damajagua Waterfalls, Monkeys and City Tour Puerto Plata: $110
- 7 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour Puerto Plata: $55
- A Splash of Adventure: 27 Pools for Cruises, Hotels and Airbnb.: $70
- ATV Adventure: $60
- ATV Tour in Puerto Plata: $80
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure: $79
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $130
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $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 comparing the travel costs between Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) or Saint Thomas?
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) 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.
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.