A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Saint Thomas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Saint Thomas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Thomas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Saint Thomas?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $59
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $42
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $84
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $298
  • Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
  • Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $260
  • Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
  • Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
  • Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
  • Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
  • Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
  • Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
  • Private Transfer From EZE Airport To Cap: $188
  • Madero Tango Show Including Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $179
  • Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $166

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:

  • Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $149
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian: $174
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $174
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove: $174
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $174
  • Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
  • Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin: $135
  • Prince Taxi USVI- ST.Thomas Aiport Transfer to Crown bay ferry: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $225
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.95
    Saint Thomas $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $28
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $41
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $47
  • El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Skip-the-Line El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with optional Dinner & Transfers: $48
  • Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49

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:

  • St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $109
  • 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 Snorkel Sail from Westin Frenchman's Reef: $139
  • Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
  • St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
  • 2-Hour Pizza Pi and Snorkel Sail: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $32
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Único tour sobre la Historia del Tango (sin mitos): $60
  • "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
  • 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
  • 3 Hours Ultimate Buenos Aires Bar Tour: $34
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
  • @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
  • A Local's Grill: Hidden Tigre Island Experience - Grill & Wine: $120
  • Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
  • Architectural tour of Buenos Aires: $35
  • Argentina Polo Experience by La Guapeada Polo: $267
  • Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
  • Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.

  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
  • Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $30
  • Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
  • St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
  • #1 St. Thomas Ghost Tour – Virgin Island's Original Haunted Tour: $41
  • St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
  • High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port: $45
  • Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
  • Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
  • Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.69
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
  • BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo: $51
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $70
  • BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:

  • Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Saint Thomas?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 650 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Saint Thomas?

Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Saint Thomasin July. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomasin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomasin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Saint Thomasin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomasin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

Both Saint Thomas and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Saint Thomasin April. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)