Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Columbus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Columbus or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Columbus 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: Columbus or Saint Thomas?
Columbus
The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. While not always famous for it's sights and attractions, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what they find here.
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 New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColumbus $158Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $158, 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 Columbus and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColumbus $72Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColumbus $144Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Columbus 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: Columbus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Columbus $50Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus
Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Columbus Ohio (CMH) Airport Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: $180
- Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
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 &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Charlotte Amalie: $28
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Columbus 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 dayColumbus $49Saint 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
- 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Columbus $46Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Columbus
For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure : $21
- 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
- Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayColumbus $20Saint 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 Columbus and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Columbus 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 Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Columbus Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Columbus or Saint Thomas?
Columbus has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus or Saint Thomas?
Columbus 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 Columbus or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Saint Thomas. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Columbus is cooler than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Columbus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Columbus gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Columbus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyColumbus 77°F (25°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Columbus or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Saint Thomas. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the autumn, Columbus is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberColumbus 57°F (14°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Columbus or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. In January, Columbus is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Columbus usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Columbus usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryColumbus 30°F (-1°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Columbus or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Columbus during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Columbus is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilColumbus 54°F (12°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Columbus
| Columbus | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 73°F (23°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 69°F (20°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 2.8 inches (72 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.