Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Chattanooga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chattanooga or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chattanooga or Saint Thomas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Chattanooga or Saint Thomas?
Chattanooga
Located on the Tennessee River near the border of the U.S. state of Georgia, Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth largest city and a major transportation hub. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its once dilapidated downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront, including the restoration of the historic Walnut Street Bridge.
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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChattanooga $182Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $182, 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 Chattanooga and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChattanooga $92Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChattanooga $184Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga 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: Chattanooga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chattanooga $35Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:
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Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)$16
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:
- 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 Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Chattanooga 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 dayChattanooga $59Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.
- MLK Walking Art History & Food Tour: $65
- Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
- ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $99
- Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119
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.Chattanooga $52Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Chattanooga
Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Virtual Reality Simulator Bundle for Outdoor Experiences: $27
- ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk Tour in Chattanooga: $23
- Chattanooga "C-Block Prison Break" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
- Chattanooga "Locker Room Lockdown: Mascot Rescue" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
- Chattanooga "Secret Agent" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $34
- Chattanooga "The Inheritance Mystery Room" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
- Chattanooga "Vaccine: Search For The Zombie Cure" Escape Room Admission Ticket: $36
- Chattanooga Ghosts of the Misty Mountains Walking Tour: $26
- Chattanooga Guided Walking Tour: $23
- A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $25
- Adults-Only Haunted City Walking Tour: $35
- City Trolley Tour with Coker Automotive Museum visit: $44
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- 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
- Saint Thomas Half-Day Shopping and Sightseeing Tour: $55
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChattanooga $24Saint Thomas $27
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 Chattanooga and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Chattanooga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chattanooga Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Saint Thomas?
Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Saint Thomas?
Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Chattanooga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the summer, Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chattanooga in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the summer, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Chattanooga gets 265 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 Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChattanooga 81°F (27°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Chattanooga or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Saint Thomas. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Chattanooga is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 63°F (17°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Chattanooga gets 211 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. In October, Chattanooga usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChattanooga 63°F (17°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chattanooga or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. Chattanooga is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Chattanooga often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChattanooga 40°F (5°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Chattanooga or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Chattanooga 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 the spring, Chattanooga is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chattanooga in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChattanooga 62°F (17°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Chattanooga
| Chattanooga | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 53°F (12°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 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.