Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Bali?
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 Bali or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bali or Saint Thomas?
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.
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Bali Prices
Indonesia PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBali $78Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $78, 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 Bali and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $37Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $74Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Bali and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Bali 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: Bali Hotel Prices and Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $8.02Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$2.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Paragliding In Bali With Private Hotel Transfer: $140
- West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
- Unforgettable Batur Volcano Hiking With Private Transfer: $85
- Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $82
- Bali Sea Walker, Parasailing, Banana Boat, Jet Ski with Transfer: $81
- Bali Quad and Buggy Discovery Tour, Including Round-Trip Transfer: $76
- Bali Sea Walker, Parasailing Adventure, Donut Boat with Transfer: $67
- Bali Spa Treatment with Airport Transfers (Departure): $64
- Bali Ultimate Watersport Package and Optional Transfers: $64
- Bali Massage with Transfer to International Bali Airport (DPS): $59
- LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer: $58
- Bali Nusa Dua Combo Parasailing And Snorkeling Include 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:
- St Thomas Private Airport Transfer 7 to 30 Passengers: $27
- Secret Harbour Beach Transfer from CruiseShip-Snorkeling Optional: $52
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $79
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Ritz-Carlton - St. Thomas: $90
- St Thomas Airport Transfer to and from Hampton By Hilton: $94
- ST.Thomas Airport transfer To Marriott/ Westin / Bouy haus: $98
- St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $105
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $105
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to and from Westin: $105
- St Thomas Airport transfer To and From Bolongo Bay or Lime Tree: $106
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Bali 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 dayBali $32Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.10
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Lunch for Two$12
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Bali Cafe for Two$24
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Lunch for Two$7.16
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Lunch for 2$7.93
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Dinner for 2$8.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
- Amazing Private Tour-Uluwatu Kecak Dance and Romantic Seafood Dinner: $33
- Uluwatu Walking Sunset Tour with Kecak Fire Dance and Dinner: $34
- Bali Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $36
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $41
- Nusa Dua: Bali Cooking Class Spice Herb Garden Visit-Free Pick Up: $45
- Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50
- Nusa Dua Beachfront Bali Cooking Class, Market Tour, Free Pick Up: $54
- Uluwatu Temple Sunset Tour & Dinner at Jimbaran Bay: $63
- Authentic Balinese Cooking Classes: $63
- Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
- Snorkeling tour at blue lagoon and cooking class at local village.: $66
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: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $129
- St Thomas Pizza Pi Snorkel Sail From Frenchman's Reef: $139
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar - Ritz-Carlton: $149
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $269
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bali $9.61Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$48
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Snorkelling Trip$11
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Cooking School$25
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- 2 Day Tours Ubud Art Village, Dance And Other Tourist Attractions: $186
- 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Waterfalls and Tunnel Ride: $34
- Amazing Day Tour: Highlights of Ubud Village Hidden Waterfall: $29
- Amazing Private Tour: Lempuyang temple, Tirta gangga, Tukad cepung waterfall: $60
- Amazing Rafting adventure on the Telaga Waja white water Bali include breakfast: $51
- Bali 1 Day : UNESCO and Iconic Temple Tour - All Inclusive: $70
- Bali : Instagrams Tour Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga- Tukad Cepung , Tibumana Waterfall: $43
- Bali ATV (Quad Bike)+Rafting with lunch+Coffee Plantation tour: $125
- Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure and Ayung Rafting Combo with Lunch: $57
- Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure and Snorkeling Tour: $99
- Bali ATV Quad Bike: Fun ADVENTURE: $150
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- St Thomas Private Ride to Magens Bay Cruise Ship Pickup/Return: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- #1 St. Thomas Ghost Tour – Virgin Island's Original Haunted Tour: $41
- St Thomas Private Luxury Sightseeing Experience + Megan’s Bay: $45
- St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBali $2.84Saint 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia 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 Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bali or Saint Thomas?
Bali has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Bali or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Saint Thomas. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Bali usually gets less rain in July than Saint Thomas. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the summer, Bali often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
In July, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bali or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Bali is October to March. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bali is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bali or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Bali usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Bali often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Bali is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bali in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Bali or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
April to September in Bali is the dry season. In April, Bali usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Bali
| Bali | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 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.