Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dayton or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton 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: Dayton or Saint Thomas?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, 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 Dayton and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Dayton 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: Dayton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Saint 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:
- Private Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Charlotte Amalie: $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
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $109
- 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
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Dayton 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 dayDayton $61Saint Thomas $54
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
-
Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
-
Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
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.Dayton -Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
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 Dayton and Saint Thomas, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Saint Thomas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dayton 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton 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 Dayton Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Saint Thomas?
Dayton has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Dayton 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 Dayton or Saint Thomas?
Dayton 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 Dayton or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the summer, Dayton is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dayton in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 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 Dayton this time of the year. In the summer, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Dayton or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Dayton is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 57°F (14°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Dayton gets 188 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, Dayton usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dayton or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Dayton during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
The weather in Dayton can be very cold. Dayton is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Dayton or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Dayton is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dayton in April average around 55°F (13°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Dayton usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Dayton
| Dayton | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 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.