Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Bangkok?
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 Bangkok or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Saint Thomas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Saint Thomas?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $105Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $105, 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 Bangkok and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $50Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $100Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.57Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.51
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Skytrain Ticket$5.02
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$1.00
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Ferry Ride$0.82
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Taxi From Airport$7.85
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Short Taxi Ride$2.83
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Boat Taxi$1.57
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Trains to airport$5.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Lampang with 2h of Sightseeing: $250
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $238
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Aranyaprathet: $220
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Rayong: $206
- Ayutthaya Tour with Premium Transfer & MICHELIN Lunch: $195
- Limousine one way transfer: BKKAirport to/from ChaAm or Hua Hin: $191
- Limousine one way transfer: BKKAirport to/from U-Tapao Airport: $191
- Private Transfer Bangkok to Koh Chang Pier: $189
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Kanchanaburi: $189
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Chanthaburi: $189
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Kanchanaburi: $180
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Chanthaburi: $180
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:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- 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 Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $36Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.28
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.41
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.94
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.28
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Pad Thai$2.20
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Airport Lunch for 2$17
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Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck Ticket with Lunch or Dinner : $22
- Meridian Dinner and Sunset Cruise in Bangkok: $23
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $27
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $29
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Dinner Experience with Observation Deck Access: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Buffet Dinner or Lunch: $29
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $32
- Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $32
- Chao Phraya River Serenade: VIVA Alangka Dinner Cruise, Bangkok: $32
- Riverside Bangkok Dinner Cruise with Buffet and City Views: $32
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:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- 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
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $18Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$5.02
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.57
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.28
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Club Cover Charge$12
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$75
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Fish Pedicure$4.71
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.14
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Siriraj Museum (2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Day in Ayutthaya: Private 5 UNESCO Temples Tour From Bangkok: $126
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok Hindu Landmark Tour with Grand Palace, Temples & Lunch: $169
- Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
- Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $58
- Private Half-Day Bangkok City Tour explore The Grand Palace: $144
- UNESCO Temple Group Tour to Ayutthaya From Bangkok: $60
- 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience : $20
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $132
- 2 Day Guided Tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya : $96
- 2 Hour Electric Tuk Tuk Cultural Tour of Bangkok: $31
- 2 Hour Longtail Boat Bangkok Canal Tour: $79
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.65Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Bangkok Pub Crawl: $17
- The Original Bangkok Pub Crawl: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok 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 Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Bangkok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Saint Thomas?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Saint Thomas. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 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 Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok 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 Bangkok is May to October. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bangkok is a little warmer than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.