A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubrovnik vs. Saint Thomas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Saint Thomas?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik or Saint Thomas?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Dubrovnik?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Dubrovnik Prices
    Croatia Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dubrovnik $142
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $142, 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 Dubrovnik and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik $59
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik $118
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik $15
    Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Split to Dubrovnik transfer with Mostar tour & Wine: $1,006
  • Zagreb to VIP Transfer with Your Choice of Tours: $848
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Podgorica: $702
  • From Split or Trogir: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik City: $644
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo: $611
  • Private Transfer to Split with Oyster Tasting: $585
  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $579
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar: $527
  • One Way Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split: $501
  • Dubrovnik to Split 1-Way Private Transfer: $494
  • Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik - door to door: $468
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Budva: $468

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:

  • Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
  • Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
  • Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
  • Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
  • ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
  • Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
  • Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik $67
    Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $82
  • Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $93
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m above ground: $101
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $114
  • Secret Food Tours in Dubrovnik: $118
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $140
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $143
  • Old Town Food Tour: $157
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $168
  • Eat Like A Local On A Food Tour: $180
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $226

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:

  • Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
  • St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
  • 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
  • Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
  • St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
  • Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
  • Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik $22
    Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $16
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $62
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • 1H Sunset cruise around the Old Town Dubrovnik: $30
  • Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat: $275
  • Flavours of Konavle: Wine, Food & Village Life Experience: $239
  • Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch on the Boat from Koločep: $131
  • Speed Boat Private Tour From Cavtat/Dubrovnik: $298
  • 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $76
  • 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $27
  • 2 Hours Private Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour : $165
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $60
  • 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $131
  • 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $78
  • 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $93

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.

  • Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
  • Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
  • Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
  • Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
  • 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
  • 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
  • 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
  • Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
  • Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
  • Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik $16
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting : $42
  • Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
  • Sunset and Wine / Dubrovnik Sunset Tour and Premium Wine Tasting : $54
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $66
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $72
  • Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $74
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Xperience: $80
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tour - Get to know local grapes: $84


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubrovnik and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik is in Europe 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 Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

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


Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Saint Thomas?

Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Saint Thomas?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches, snorkeling, 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.

In the summer, Dubrovnik is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubrovnik in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).

In July, Dubrovnik usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

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

In October, Dubrovnik is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 18°C (64°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Dubrovnik is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Dubrovnik is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubrovnik in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)