Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Austin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Austin or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin 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: Austin or Saint Thomas?
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAustin $142Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $142, 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 Austin and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAustin $56Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAustin $112Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Austin and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Austin 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: Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Austin $47Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Austin Round Trip Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Sedan: $150
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $115
- Austin International Airport (AUS) - Private Arrival transfer: $110
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $99
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
- Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $50
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:
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $51
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to Charlotte Amalie - Arrival Transfer: $51
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $113
- 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 to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Austin 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 dayAustin $35Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Devour Downtown Austin Walking Food Tour: $80
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Secret Food Tour: $102
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $113
- The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
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:
- Pizza Pi Shuttle™ (Official) - St Thomas : $95
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $109
- St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $159
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $165
- 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. : $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Austin $28Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Hour Local Splash Pad Tour on an E-Bike: $89
- 30 Minute Private Tour F1 Circuit of the Americas: $265
- Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
- Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $79
- Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading: $71
- Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
- Austin E-Bike Tour: $75
- Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
- Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $240
- Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $469
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Drinks & Diamonds Shopping Experience in St. Thomas: $5.00
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in the US Virgin Islands: $27
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. John Rum Tasting Experience Flavors of the Caribbean: $42
- Cruise Ship Suttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- Night Kayak Tour St. John - Westin Resort: $59
- High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port: $60
- Sightseeing and Swimming Excursion: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAustin $28Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
- Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Lost Legends of Texas Pub Crawl in Austin: $35
- Austin Bachelorette Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Austin's Bachelorette Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- McKinnie-Gene's Paranormal Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Austin Rainey Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group: $38
- Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Austin 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 Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Austin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Austin Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Austin or Saint Thomas?
Austin has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin or Saint Thomas?
Austin 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 Austin or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Austin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Austin is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°C) in July, 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 Austin. In the summer, Austin often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Austin usually gets less rain in July than Saint Thomas. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) 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 JulyAustin 87°F (30°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Austin or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, 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.
In the autumn, Austin is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Austin gets 214 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, Austin usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) 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 OctoberAustin 73°F (23°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Austin or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Austin as well as Saint Thomas. The winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In January, Austin is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Austin often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Austin usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) 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 JanuaryAustin 51°F (11°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Austin or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Austin 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 Austin this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Austin is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) 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 AprilAustin 71°F (22°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Austin
| Austin | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 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.