Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Beaufort?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beaufort or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort 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: Beaufort or Saint Thomas?
Beaufort
The second oldest city in South Carolina (next to Charleston), Beaufort was charted in 1711 and grew from a shipbuilding community to a slave society of elite planters and finally to the small southern town as it sits today. Beaufort's historic character and architecture has made it a popular tourist destination with much to offer in sightseeing, seaside activities, and maritime history.
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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeaufort $131Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Beaufort is $131, 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 Beaufort and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeaufort $100Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeaufort $200Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Beaufort and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Beaufort 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: Beaufort Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beaufort -Saint 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:
- Private Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Charlotte Amalie: $29
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $51
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to Charlotte Amalie - Arrival Transfer: $51
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $113
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $113
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Beaufort or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Beaufort 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 dayBeaufort $31Saint 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:
- 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.Beaufort -Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Beaufort
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:
- Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $55
- Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
- Historic City Tour by Bus: $29
- Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart: $32
- Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $40
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 dayBeaufort -Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beaufort and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Beaufort much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beaufort 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 Beaufort would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaufort 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 Beaufort.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beaufort Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Saint Thomas?
Beaufort 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 Beaufort or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Beaufort is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort this time of the year. In the summer, Beaufort often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Beaufort receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 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 JulyBeaufort 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Beaufort or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Beaufort is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beaufort in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during autumn. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In October, Beaufort usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Beaufort 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 OctoberBeaufort 68°F (20°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Beaufort or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Beaufort during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In January, Beaufort is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 48°F (9°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Beaufort often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Beaufort usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Beaufort 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 JanuaryBeaufort 48°F (9°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Beaufort or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Saint Thomas. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Beaufort is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during spring. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 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 AprilBeaufort 67°F (19°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Beaufort
| Beaufort | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 52°F (11°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.