A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Saint Thomas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Thomas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore 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: Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Thomas?

Cumberland Island National Seashore

The Cumberland Island National Seashore, located on the southern coastline of Georgia, preserves an island of beaches and dunes, marshes, and freshwater lakes. It is also home to many historic sites and structures, preserved and interpreted for visitors to explore.

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 Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cumberland Island National Seashore is $148, 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $75
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $150
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Cumberland Island National Seashore 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.

Hotels in Cumberland Island National Seashore


Hotels in Saint Thomas


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $59
    Saint Thomas $37

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 &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
  • Private Ground Transfers: $120
  • 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $38
    Saint 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $23
    Saint Thomas $60

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
  • 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
  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
  • Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
  • Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
  • Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cumberland Island National Seashore $25
    Saint 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Cumberland Island National Seashore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Thomas?

Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

Both Saint Thomas and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 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. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 70°F (21°C) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 53°F (12°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 53°F (12°C) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cumberland Island National Seashore 68°F (20°C) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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