Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Basse-Terre?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Basse-Terre or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Saint Thomas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Basse-Terre or Saint Thomas?
Basse-Terre
In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBasse-Terre $164Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Basse-Terre is $164, 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 Basse-Terre and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBasse-Terre $97Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBasse-Terre $194Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Basse-Terre and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Basse-Terre 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: Basse-Terre Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Basse-Terre $8.67Saint Thomas $37
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:
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $28
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Basse-Terre or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Basse-Terre 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 dayBasse-Terre $50Saint 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
- 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.Basse-Terre $50Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:
- Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $213
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 dayBasse-Terre $14Saint 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 Basse-Terre and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Basse-Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Basse-Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basse-Terre Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Basse-Terre or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Basse-Terre. When comparing the sizes of Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre 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 Basse-Terre or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Basse-Terre as well as Saint Thomas. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Basse-Terre receives a lot of rain in the summer. Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Basse-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 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 Basse-Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Basse-Terre often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Basse-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBasse-Terre 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Basse-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. In October, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Basse-Terre gets 228 mm (9 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 Basse-Terre. Basse-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Basse-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basse-Terre in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBasse-Terre 27°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Basse-Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Basse-Terre usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Basse-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 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. It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. In the winter, Basse-Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Basse-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Basse-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Basse-Terre average around 24°C (76°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBasse-Terre 24°C (76°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Basse-Terre or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basse-Terre and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Basse-Terre usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Basse-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 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 Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basse-Terre usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Basse-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Basse-Terre is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Basse-Terre averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBasse-Terre 26°C (78°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Basse-Terre
| Basse-Terre | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.