Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Clearwater?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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: Clearwater or Saint Thomas?
Clearwater
Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayClearwater $309Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, 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 Clearwater and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personClearwater $141Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomClearwater $282Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Clearwater 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: Clearwater Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Clearwater $221Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:
- Pete–Clearwater Airport to Clearwater Beach Round-Trip Transfer: $144
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $127
- Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
- Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $104
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $102
- Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $102
- St Petersburg to Tampa Airport (TPA) -Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $63
- St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
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:
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $28
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Clearwater 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 dayClearwater $46Saint Thomas $54
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Clearwater -Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Clearwater
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:
- 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
- 1.5 Hour Tiki Tour with Open Bar in Clearwater Beach: $49
- 2 Hour Guided Kayak Tour in Boca Ciega Bay - St. Pete: $55
- 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour of Downtown St Pete: $59
- 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
- 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Madeira Beach in Florida: $300
- 2 Hour Sunset Kayak Tour: War Veterans Memorial Park: $59
- 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
- 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
- 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry: $67
- 90 Minute Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Clearwater at Hatchet Hangout: $50
- 90 Minute Jet Ski Ft Desoto Sand Bar Tour: $159
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayClearwater -Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:
- The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20
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 Clearwater and Saint Thomas, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Saint Thomas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Clearwater 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 Saint Thomas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Thomas 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Saint Thomas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Clearwater Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Saint Thomas?
Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Saint Thomas?
Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Saint Thomas. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Clearwater is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 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 JulyClearwater 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Clearwater is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In October, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberClearwater 75°F (24°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In January, Clearwater is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Clearwater usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 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 JanuaryClearwater 60°F (15°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Clearwater or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Clearwater is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilClearwater 71°F (22°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Clearwater
| Clearwater | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.