Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Baltimore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Baltimore 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 Baltimore and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Baltimore or Saint Thomas?
Baltimore
Baltimore is a large, industrial city and popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. It is about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. and is a hub of tourism and entertainment for the area. It has a vibrant nightlife, comfortable climate, and is a great place to visit when you're in the area. The city proper has a population of about 600,000 and the metropolitan area has 2.7 million. Its economy is centered around science, technology, engineering and math and it has many undergraduate and graduate schools including the world renowned Johns Hopkins University.
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 Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBaltimore $184Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, 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 Baltimore and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBaltimore $93Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBaltimore $186Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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: Baltimore Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Baltimore $21Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:
- Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
- Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Baltimore, MD: $215
- Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
- Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD & Reagan Airport(DCA): $200
- Private Airport Transfer: Baltimore Airport BWI to Washington in Luxury SUV: $188
- Arrival Private Transfer: Baltimore Airport BWI to Washington in Luxury SUV: $188
- Arrival Private Transfer: Baltimore Airport BWI to Washington in Luxury Van: $188
- Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $186
- Baltimore City to Newark International Airport (EWR)- Departure Private Transfer: $175
- Baltimore City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $173
- Baltimore to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $165
- Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
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: $49
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
- 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 Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- 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: $169
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Baltimore 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 dayBaltimore $46Saint Thomas $54
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point$76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.
- Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $67
- Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
- Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
- Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
- Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
- Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
- Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $101
- Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
- Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
- Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251
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
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Baltimore $18Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Baltimore
Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
- Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $105
- Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
- Baltimore Harbor Tour: $28
- Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
- Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $27
- Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $67
- Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $99
- Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Unforgettable Charlotte Amalie: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- 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 Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry : $44
- Cruise Ship Suttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
- Sunset Kayak Tour in the Mangrove Lagoon, St Thomas: $49
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours USVI-Scenic Island Tour ,St. Thomas: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBaltimore $17Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore
Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
- Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
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 Baltimore and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Baltimore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Baltimore 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 Baltimore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Saint Thomas?
Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Saint Thomas?
Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Baltimore during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In July, Baltimore is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), 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 Baltimore. In the summer, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 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 JulyBaltimore 78°F (25°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Baltimore or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Saint Thomas. The autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Baltimore is much colder than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) 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. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Baltimore gets 196 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, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 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 OctoberBaltimore 57°F (14°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Baltimore or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Saint Thomas. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In the winter, Baltimore is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), 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, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Baltimore usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 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 JanuaryBaltimore 32°F (0°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Baltimore or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Baltimore is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), 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 Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 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 AprilBaltimore 54°F (12°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Baltimore
| Baltimore | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 32°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (25°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 47°F (9°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 37°F (3°C) | 3.3 inches (83 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.