Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Blue Ridge?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Blue Ridge or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Saint Thomas. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Blue Ridge or Saint Thomas?
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is a resort town, located in the northern part of Georgia in the vicinity of the Blue Ridge Mountain region of the Appalachian Mountain chain. It is a popular destination for outdoor adventures like hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and even whitewater rafting. Whether you wish to stay in a cozy cabin or luxury resort, the environment is one enveloped by the natural beauty of mountain scenery.
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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBlue Ridge $124Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, 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 Blue Ridge and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBlue Ridge $67Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBlue Ridge $134Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge 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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Blue Ridge $34Saint 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:
- Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $113
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Blue Ridge 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 dayBlue Ridge $35Saint 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
- 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. : $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Blue Ridge $18Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge
For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $29
- 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29
- Helen Ghosts, Voodoo & Haunted Trails Tour: $25
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: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
- 2-Day Adventure Tour of St Thomas and St John: $199
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Afternoon Snorkeling Adventure in St Thomas: $120
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $149
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort - 4:30 pm : $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBlue Ridge $20Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Saint Thomas?
Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Saint Thomas. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBlue Ridge 81°F (27°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Blue Ridge or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the autumn, Blue Ridge is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBlue Ridge 63°F (17°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Blue Ridge or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBlue Ridge 40°F (5°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Blue Ridge or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Blue Ridge is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBlue Ridge 62°F (17°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Blue Ridge
| Blue Ridge | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 53°F (12°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 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.