Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Cusco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cusco or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cusco or Saint Thomas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Cusco or Saint Thomas?
Cusco
Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.
The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.
Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.
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 Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.
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Cusco Prices
Peru PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCusco $66Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Cusco is $66, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Cusco and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCusco $25Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCusco $50Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Cusco and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Cusco 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: Cusco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cusco $11Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cusco:
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Taxi Ride$1.18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:
- Ollantaytambo train station to Cuzco RoundTrip Private Transfer: $210
- Private Transfer from Valle Sagrado to Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) Airport: $167
- Scenic Journey from Cusco to Puno by Bus Including Hotel Transfers: $128
- Ollantaytambo Train Station to Cuzco - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
- Airport Transfer from Juliaca to Puno: $59
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain from Cusco with transfers and lunch: $55
- Lake Humantay Full Day Trip with Transfers, Breakfast and Lunch: $42
- Transfer to Ollantaytambo to/from Urubamba: $41
- Transfer Cusco to Urubamba: $40
- Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: $40
- Private Transfer from Sacsayhuamán to Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) Airport: $38
- Cusco to Puno Direct Bus Transfer: $37
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:
- Secret Harbour Beach Transfer from CruiseShip-Snorkeling Optional: $52
- Private transfer to Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal: $55
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $80
- Private Airport Transfer to and from Red Hook Ferry: $90
- St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Prince Taxi USVI- ST.Thomas Aiport Transfer to Crown bay ferry: $120
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Westin/Buoy Haus/Marriott: $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Cusco or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Cusco 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 dayCusco $25Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of dining costs in Cusco are as follows:
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Sandwich$2.36
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Mango$0.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cusco.
- Short Peruvian Cooking Class by Pete: $30
- Bilingual Cooking Class with Pisco Cocktail in Cusco: $40
- Market-to-Table Peruvian Cooking Class and Cocktail in Cusco: $52
- Cusco Cooking Class by ChocoMuseo in Cusco: $54
- Cusco Cooking Class Adventure: $55
- Cooking Class in Sacred Valley 8 Recipes and Drinks: $55
- Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class and Market Tour in Cusco: $57
- Short Immersion Cooking Class: $60
- Cusco Food Tour: Andean Cuisine & City Tour: $63
- Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco: $65
- Cusco Cooking Classes and San Pedro Market Tour: $65
- Cusco Street Food Tour and Pisco Tasting Experience: $69
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:
- St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $109
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres: $139
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cusco $32Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cusco are as follows:
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Salsa Class$2.96
Tours and Activities in Cusco
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cusco are as follows:
- 1 Day Ausangate 7 Lagoons Hiking Tour & Hot Springs: $59
- 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour From Cusco: $60
- 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Walking Tour: $35
- 1 Day Sacred Valley Tour with Moray from Cusco: $61
- 1-Day Tour Sacred Valley From Cusco: $120
- 2 Day Machu Picchu Tour by Car: $150
- 2 Day Machu Picchu by Car Tour Scenic Hike and Exploration: $130
- 2 days 1 night - Machupicchu by bus tour: $220
- 2-Day Group Tour: Cusco City Tour & Sacred Valley of the Incas: $129
- 2-Day Guided Tour of Ausangate Trek: $290
- 2-Day Machu Picchu by Car Tour: $239
- 2-Day Private Tour Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass: $199
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: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $30
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
- Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port: $50
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $55
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCusco $10Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco
Also in Cusco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cusco Pub Crawl: Bar Tour, Drinks And Club with no waiting lines: $23
- Lima: Ballestas Islands, Wine Tasting, & Huacachina Tour: $115
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cusco and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Cusco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cusco is in South 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 Cusco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cusco 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 Cusco.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cusco Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cusco or Saint Thomas?
Cusco has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Cusco 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.
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.