Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Bruges?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bruges 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 Bruges 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: Bruges or Saint Thomas?
Bruges
Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium.
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Bruges Prices
Belgium PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBruges $189Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Bruges is $189, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Bruges and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBruges $69Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBruges $138Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Bruges and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Bruges 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: Bruges Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bruges $19Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:
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Five Day Bus Pass$18
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Bike Rental for Day$9.39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges
Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to The Hague: $293
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to Amsterdam: $262
- PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $240
- Private Transfer from Ostend Bruges Airport OST to Zeebrugge Port: $240
- Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $238
- Private transfer from Bruges to Brussels, 2h Stop in Ghent: $216
- Private direct transfer from Cruise Port Zeebrugge to Brussels: $192
- Private direct transfer from Bruges to Brussels: $154
- Private transfer from Bruges to Lille, English-speaking driver: $150
- Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotel - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $144
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels: $75
- Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $75
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:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Bruges or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Bruges 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 dayBruges $105Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:
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Cup of Tea$2.35
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Sandwich for Lunch$3.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $161
- Bruges Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $165
- Bruges Food Tour: 8 Tastings of Local Delicacies: $184
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:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bruges $18Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Groeninge Museum Entrance$9.39
Tours and Activities in Bruges
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.
- "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour - 2hr open city tour & workshop: $83
- "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour - 3hr private city tour & workshop: $298
- 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included: $3.59
- 6 Hour Bruges Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $81
- Authentic Medieval Bruges Private Tour with Local Guide: $96
- BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $54
- Best Bruges Cruise-Friendly Tour including Canal Boat Ride: $65
- Best Bruges Shore Excursion from Your Ship with Canal Cruise : $75
- Best Bruges Shore Excursion including Deluxe Canal Cruise: $79
- Best of History, Chocolate & Beer Tour: $66
- BikeTour Bruges & Damme in Spanish and English: $143
- Breathtaking Bruges - Private Walking Tour: $228
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
- 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: $159
- 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- 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
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBruges $13Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bruges and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Bruges much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bruges is in Europe 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 Bruges would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bruges 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 Bruges.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bruges Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bruges or Saint Thomas?
Bruges has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges or Saint Thomas?
Bruges 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 Bruges or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges 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, Bruges is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°F), 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 Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) 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 JulyBruges 17°C (63°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bruges or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Bruges during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In October, Bruges is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Bruges gets 105 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. Bruges usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) 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 OctoberBruges 12°C (54°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bruges or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Bruges 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.
Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. Bruges is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) 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. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bruges usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) 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 JanuaryBruges 3°C (38°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Bruges or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the spring, Bruges is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) 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 AprilBruges 8°C (47°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Bruges
| Bruges | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.