Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Cancun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cancun or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cancun or Saint Thomas?
Cancun
In the northeast corner of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular destinations. The area that is now Cancun was actually selected specifically by the Mexican government for development as a tourist destination. The area was chosen because it has fourteen miles of beautiful white beaches, nearby Mayan ruins, and turquoise blue water with nearby snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Prior to its development as a tourist destination, there were few inhabitants in the area.
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 Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
-
Cancun Prices
Mexico PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCancun $167Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $167, 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 Cancun and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCancun $96Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCancun $192Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Cancun 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: Cancun Hotel Prices and Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cancun $18Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
-
Taxi Around Town$1.66
-
Airport Shuttle (for 2)$14
-
Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)$17
-
Local Bus (for 2)$2.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Cancun Airport to Chiquilá Holbox Ferry: $285
- Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
- Private Transfer roundtrip (Cancun Airport-Akumal): $259
- Cancun VIP Roundtrip Private Airport Transfer to Hotel Zone: $259
- Cozumel: El Cielo & KUZÁ Beach & Adventure Park with Transfer: $246
- Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum: $241
- Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $233
- Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
- Private One Way Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
- Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
- Private Round Trip Transfer (Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen): $219
- Airport Transfers to Puerto Juarez - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $211
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 -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $82
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bluebeards castle or Yacht haven: $110
- St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $218
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $180
- St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport Private Transfers to Bouy haus: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Cancun 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 dayCancun $49Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour in Cancun with a Local Guide: $62
- Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
- Salsa Streets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $69
- Tortilla Trails Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $69
- 4h Cooking Class in Cancun with 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $75
- Cancun Historic Downtown Food Tour with 7+ Authentic Tastings: $76
- Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
- Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $79
- Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class: $79
- Couples Special Price! Cancun Pirate Show with Dinner & Drinks: $80
- Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show at Cancun Couples Special: $80
- Couples Special Pirate Show & Dinner! Drinks, Adventure and Fun: $82
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. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $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
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar - Ritz-Carlton: $129
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $269
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cancun $35Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Seasick Pills$0.59
-
Whale Shark Tour (for 2)$100
Tours and Activities in Cancun
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day ATV, Horse Ride, Ziplines and Cenote Adventure from Cancun: $40
- 1 Day Tour to Bacalar, Cenotes and 7 color Lagoon with lunch from Cancun: $125
- 1-Day Tour to Bacalar with Kayaking, Marmol Beach Club and Cenote: $119
- 1-hour Clear Boat Tour in Nichupte Lagoon from Cancun: $23
- 2 Day Deluxe Tour Tulum and Chichén Itzá: $120
- 2-day tour: Isla Mujeres catamaran and Chichen Itzá: $121
- 20 minutes Jet Pack flight experience in Cancun!: $119
- 2x1 Tulum tour and Chichen Itza tour for 1 price in 2 days: $139
- 3 Hidden Cenotes Experience & Puerto Morelos Reef Snorkeling: $89
- 3 adrenaline activities Atvs Zipline and a swim experience in a cenote: $60
- 3 in 1 Jungle Tour Adventure Cancun: $69
- 3 in 1 Tour to Coba Cenote and Maya Village Riviera Maya: $139
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- 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
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- 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
- CWORI Dive Center: 1 Tank Guided Dive Tour at Coki Beach: $89
- CWORI Dive Center: Try Scuba Diving Experience at Coki Beach: $109
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $130
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $169
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCancun $13Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun
Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- A bespoke wine tastings crafted for unforgettable moments: $88
- Brewery Tour Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $130
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 Cancun and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cancun 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 Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Cancun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cancun Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cancun or Saint Thomas?
Cancun has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Cancun 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.
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.