A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boca Raton vs. Saint Thomas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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: Boca Raton or Saint Thomas?

Boca Raton

An affluent city with a reputation for catering to the well-to-do, Boca Raton is a beautiful city in Southern Florida with plenty to offer for all tastes and budgets. Boca's warm weather climate has visitors flocking to its many beaches and parks each day, while others take advantage of the golf courses, spas, annual events, festivals, live shows, museums, shopping, dining, and more.

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 Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, 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 Boca Raton and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton 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.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in Saint Thomas


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: Boca Raton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $65
  • 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 &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
  • Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
  • Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
  • Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
  • Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Boca Raton 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boca Raton $67
    Saint Thomas $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

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
  • PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104

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
  • 2-Day Adventure Tour of St Thomas and St John: $199
  • 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
  • Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
  • Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
  • Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Saint 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 Boca Raton and Saint Thomas, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Saint Thomas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Boca Raton 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 Saint Thomas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Thomas 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Saint Thomas.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Saint Thomas?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Saint Thomas?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

Both Saint Thomas and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In October, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.

Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Boca Raton is cooler than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

In the spring, Boca Raton is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)