Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Charlottesville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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: Charlottesville or Saint Thomas?
Charlottesville
Located in central Virginia, Charlottesville is a little university town steeped in history and culture. Home to Thomas Jefferson, much of the town's architecture is heavily influenced by his hand, while the people scene is full of activities, dining, and entertainment. Many visitors are drawn to the area for the University of Virginia, the Historic Downtown Mall, plus many quaint vineyards and farms in the surrounding countryside.
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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCharlottesville $154Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlottesville is $154, 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 Charlottesville and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlottesville $80Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlottesville $160Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Charlottesville and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Charlottesville 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: Charlottesville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlottesville $53Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlottesville
Also for Charlottesville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotteville Airport (CHO): $50
- Private Departure Transfer to Charlottesville Airport (CHO): $50
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:
- 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 Charlottesville or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Charlottesville 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 dayCharlottesville $42Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charlottesville
For Charlottesville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The UVA Corner Food Tour: Private Walking Food Tour in Charlottesville: $139
- The Downtown Mall Food Tour: $149
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Charlottesville $18Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Charlottesville
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlottesville.
- Charlottesville Dark History Ghost Tour : $30
- Charlottesville Historic Downtown APP/GPS Smartphone Walking Tour: $7.75
- Ghosts of Court Square Walking Tour: $26
- Shenandoah National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCharlottesville $53Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Charlottesville
Also in Charlottesville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Wine Tours (Minimum 3 & Maximum 6 ) Pickup Maximum 30 Mi : $85
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 Charlottesville and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Charlottesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Charlottesville Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Saint Thomas?
Charlottesville has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Saint Thomas?
Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Charlottesville is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. In July, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) 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 JulyCharlottesville 78°F (26°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Charlottesville or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Charlottesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Charlottesville is much colder than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, 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 Charlottesville. In the autumn, Charlottesville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Charlottesville gets 221 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. Charlottesville usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) 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 OctoberCharlottesville 59°F (15°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Charlottesville or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Charlottesville can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Charlottesville is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlottesville in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Charlottesville usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) 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 JanuaryCharlottesville 36°F (2°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Charlottesville or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In April, Charlottesville is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 58°F (14°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 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 Charlottesville this time of the year. In the spring, Charlottesville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Charlottesville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) 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 AprilCharlottesville 58°F (14°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Charlottesville
| Charlottesville | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 36°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (83 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (80 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 49°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 58°F (14°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 67°F (19°C) | 3.8 inches (98 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 74°F (24°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 5 inches (128 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 59°F (15°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 41°F (5°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 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.