Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Destin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Destin or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Saint Thomas?
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDestin $192Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $192, 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 Destin and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Destin and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Destin 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: Destin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:
- Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
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 Destin or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Destin 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 dayDestin $51Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Mother's Day Sunset Dinner Cruise: SOLARIS Yacht Miramar Beach FL: $128
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.Destin $17Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
-
1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- FAMOUS Destin Dolphin Cruise & Crab Island Sandbar: $70
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Destin: $60
- 3 Hour Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise from Destin : $70
- Chakras Sound Bath Meditation Experience in Destin: $35
- Clear Kayak Ecotour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
- Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
- Clear Kayaking Eco Adventure Tour in Marianna: $75
- Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure : $227
- Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise: $40
- Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
- Destin Private Guided Sunset Cruise up to 6 Passengers: $230
- Crab Island Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching: $59
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 dayDestin $49Saint 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 comparing the travel costs between Destin and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Destin is in North America and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Destin Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Destin or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin 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 Destin or Saint Thomas?
Destin 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 Destin or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Destin is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDestin 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Destin or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Destin is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDestin 69°F (21°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Destin or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In January, Destin is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDestin 50°F (10°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Destin or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Destin is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDestin 68°F (20°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Destin
| Destin | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.