Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Belize City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belize City or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Belize City 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: Belize City or Saint Thomas?
Belize City
Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.
This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.
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 G Adventures Tours to Belize, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelize City $88Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, 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 Belize City and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelize City $49Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelize City $98Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Belize City 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: Belize City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belize City $5.82Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City
Also for Belize City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $150
- Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
- Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
- Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $60
- Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
- We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
- Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
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:
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $28
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Belize City 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 dayBelize City $27Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City
For Belize City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour: $80
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.Belize City $29Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Belize City
For Belize City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City: $167
- Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from Belize City: $208
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins & Zipline Tour from Belize City All Inclusive: $170
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Belize City tour: $100
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour: $85
- Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
- Altun Ha, Monkey Sanctuary and Rum Factory Tour from Belize City: $170
- Belize City Tour: $40
- Belize City Tour Shore Excursion: $100
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour: $190
- Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure Tour: $110
- Guided Cave Kayaking Tour with Pickup: $77
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $159
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $79
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelize City $12Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Belize City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belize City:
- Belize: City Highlights Tour with Rum Distillery Visit: $49
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 Belize City and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Belize City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belize City is in Central 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 Belize City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belize City 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 Belize City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belize City Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belize City or Saint Thomas?
Belize City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Belize City 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 Belize City or Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Belize City or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Belize City usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Belize City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Belize City is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belize City in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelize City 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Saint Thomas. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Belize City receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Belize City usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 26°C (80°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBelize City 26°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Belize City. In January, Belize City usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Belize City is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBelize City 24°C (74°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Belize City during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Belize City because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Belize City usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 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 Belize City. In the spring, Belize City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Belize City is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belize City in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBelize City 27°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Belize City
| Belize City | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 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.