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

Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Saint Thomas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala 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: Antigua Guatemala or Saint Thomas?

Antigua Guatemala

Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Antigua Guatemala?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Antigua Guatemala Prices
    Guatemala Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Antigua Guatemala $74
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $74, 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 Antigua Guatemala and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antigua Guatemala $22
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antigua Guatemala $44
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala 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 Antigua Guatemala


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: Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $13
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico Beach: $85
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $70
  • Private Transfers in Guatemala: $39
  • Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $30
  • Shared Transfer From Antigua to Panajachel (Atitlan): $30
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Airport: $27

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:

  • 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 Antigua Guatemala or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Antigua Guatemala 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
    Antigua Guatemala $25
    Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:


  • Lunch
    $3.28
  • Lunch
    $7.87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala

For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking and pastry class in Casa San Miguel: $38
  • Cooking class and market tour/Pepian Workshop: $50
  • Cooking Class With Local Family: $70
  • Guatemalan Mayan Cooking Workshop: $75
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
  • Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
  • Foodie & Street Food Tour in Antigua: $95
  • Pacaya Volcano Hike and Pizza Experience: $175
  • Epic Pacaya Volcano Hike w/ Pizza & Marshmallows: $220
  • Epic Pacaya Volcano Horseback Tour w/ Pizza & Marshmallows: $271
  • Pizza Making Adventure at Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua: $299

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $15
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.

  • 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
  • 3-Hour Chateau Defay Vineyard Tour in Central America: $170
  • ANTIGUA Villages Tour: $103
  • ATV tour of picturesque villages around Antigua: $60
  • Acatenango Hike: Overnight Group Adventure from Antigua: $225
  • Acatenango Overnight Hike Multiday Tour: $129
  • Acatenango Volcano Overnight Tour: $119
  • Acatenango Volcano Overnight Tour (2 Days / 1 Night): $90
  • Adventure Tour Climbing the Pacaya Volcano with Pickup: $95
  • Adventure in Pacaya Volcano from Antigua Guatemala: $150
  • Antigua ATV Coffee Tour: $53
  • Antigua ATV Cultural Adventure: $59

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $12
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:

  • Antigua Bar Crawl: $26

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 Antigua Guatemala and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Antigua Guatemala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antigua Guatemala is in Central America 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 Antigua Guatemala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antigua Guatemala 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 Antigua Guatemala.

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


Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or Saint Thomas?

Antigua Guatemala has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Antigua Guatemala 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.