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

Should you visit Arlington or Saint Thomas?

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

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

Arlington

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, capital of the United States, Arlington is a city that also has many government sites and monuments that commemorate the nation's past. Two of its most famous features include Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon-the largest office building in the world.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Arlington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arlington is $264, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $218. 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 Arlington and Saint Thomas in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Arlington 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 Arlington


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: Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arlington $49
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

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:

  • Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
  • Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
  • Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
  • Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
  • St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $109
  • St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
  • St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Charlotte Amalie: $28
  • Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
  • Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Arlington or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Arlington 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
    Arlington $81
    Saint Thomas $54

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:

  • Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $109
  • Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $110
  • Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $111
  • St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin: $119
  • Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail: $159
  • St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $159
  • PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $169
  • Waterfront Harbor Dinner Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $209
  • St Thomas Legends Luxury Dinner Sail from the Ritz Carlton: $209
  • Swim w/Turtles at St. John, Pizza Pi & Snorkel a shipwreck. : $250

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arlington $11
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.

  • Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $159
  • 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
  • 2-Day Adventure Tour of St Thomas and St John: $199
  • Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
  • Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
  • Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
  • Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
  • Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $79
  • Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
  • Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
  • Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arlington $17
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:

  • Wine Tasting with Fine Art Downtown Experience: $60


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Saint Thomas, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Saint Thomas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Arlington is in North 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 Saint Thomas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Thomas 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Saint Thomas.

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


Which is Bigger, Arlington or Saint Thomas?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Arlington 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 Arlington or Saint Thomas?

Arlington 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 Arlington or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Arlington is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arlington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arlington usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arlington 79°F (26°C) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

In October, Arlington is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 60°F (15°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Arlington usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arlington 60°F (15°C) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

Both Saint Thomas and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Arlington can be very cold. Arlington is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Arlington usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arlington 35°F (1°C) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Arlington or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

Both Saint Thomas and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In the spring, Arlington is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arlington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the spring, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arlington 56°F (14°C) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Arlington

Arlington Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)