A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Saint Thomas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amsterdam or Saint Thomas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Saint Thomas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Amsterdam or Saint Thomas?

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam is $248, 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 Amsterdam and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amsterdam $120
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amsterdam $240
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam 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.

Hotels in Amsterdam


Hotels in Saint Thomas


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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amsterdam $23
    Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.75
  • Renting a Bike
    $18
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.05
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • From Private Transfer to Efteling Theme Park: $470
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $341
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - Amsterdam RoundTrip Private Transfer: $290
  • Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $289
  • Private taxi transfer from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: $281
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam to Rotterdam with 2h Sightseeing stop: $279
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam>Rotterdam, 2h stop at De Haar Castle: $278
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Utrecht: $271
  • Airport or Port transfer First Class (private car service) : $271
  • Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Leiden: $265
  • Amsterdam Airport (AMS): Transfer to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $254
  • Private Transfer Schiphol Airport to Cruise Port IJmuiden: $235

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:

  • Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
  • Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
  • Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
  • Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
  • Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
  • Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Amsterdam 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
    Amsterdam $94
    Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $7.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Bike Rental and Dinner or Lunch: $52
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $63
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Bens Local Food Tour - 8 Tastings: $78
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $94
  • Dutch Food Tour with local guide: $94
  • Amsterdam-West Food Tour with local guide: $102
  • Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $107

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.
    Amsterdam $44
    Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $7.04
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • ‌Amsterdam‌ Light‌ ‌Festival‌ ‌Boat‌ ‌Tour‌ ‌ - Small Group: $88
  • Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour : $120
  • 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $120
  • 19th Century Amsterdam Guided Private Bike Tour : $277
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $234
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of the Highlights of Amsterdam: $183
  • 2-Hour Private Anne Frank Walking Tour with Drink: $158
  • 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $54
  • 3 Countries in 1 Day: Cologne & Antwerp Day Tour from Amsterdam: $239
  • 3h countryside tour on sidecar motorcycle: $240
  • 4Hrs with a Local in Full Private & Personalized Tour.: $289

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 day
    Amsterdam $28
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • City Centre Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $30
  • Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings : $78
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl With Optional Club Entrance: $84
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141


When comparing the travel costs between Amsterdam 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. Even though Amsterdam is in Europe and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Saint Thomas?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Saint Thomas?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Amsterdam during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In July, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Amsterdam is much colder than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Saint Thomas. The winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

Both Saint Thomas and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Amsterdam

Amsterdam Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)