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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    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 $1.58
    Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.13
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.03
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $250
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $240
  • Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
  • Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $220
  • Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
  • LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
  • Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
  • Private Transfer: Round trip transfer from/to EZE International Airport: $190
  • Private Transfer from AEP Airport to EZE Airport or Viceversa: $187
  • Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185
  • Colonia Day Trip & Optional Private Transfers from Buenos Aires: $175

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:

  • Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
  • Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
  • 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: $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
  • Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
  • Private Ground Transfers: $120

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 $3.25
    Saint Thomas $54
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

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.

  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $39
  • Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
  • Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
  • Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $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:

  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
  • Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
  • Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
  • Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
  • 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
  • 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
  • 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
  • @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $96

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: $10
  • Unforgettable Charlotte Amalie: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in the US Virgin Islands: $27
  • Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
  • Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
  • Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
  • Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry : $44
  • Cruise Ship Suttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
  • Sunset Kayak Tour in the Mangrove Lagoon, St Thomas: $49
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
  • Vi Top Taxi & Tours USVI-Scenic Island Tour ,St. Thomas: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.67

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:

  • Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $56
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79

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 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)