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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Dubrovnik Prices
Croatia PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubrovnik $183Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $183, 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 personDubrovnik $75Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubrovnik $150Saint 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.
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 and Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubrovnik $25Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
-
Bus Around Town$1.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zagreb to VIP Transfer with Your Choice of Tours: $846
- Split: TO Dubrovnik Private Transfer with Stop in Ston: $467
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $460
- Private Transfer from Mostar to Dubrovnik: $362
- Private transfer from Tivat to Dubrovnik city: $303
- Private transfer from Kotor to Dubrovnik city: $303
- From Split: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik with Sightseeing: $298
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Trogir with 2h of Sightseeing, local driver: $294
- Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $292
- Transfer Dubrovnik to Split with Sightseeing in Ston Town: $290
- Dubrovnik to Split Private Transfer with Ston and Winery Options: $284
- Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $283
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:
- St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $216
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $200
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $189
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- Luxury Airport Transfer to or from St Thomas The Ritz Carlton: $175
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $174
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove: $174
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- St Thomas Airport Private Transfers to Bouy haus: $135
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 dayDubrovnik $87Saint 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:
- Gastro Dinner and Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town: $92
- Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $128
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $130
- Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour of 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $140
- Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $159
- Dinner on Peljesac with 5-Course Signature Wine & Food: $159
- Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $162
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $165
- Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands, Wine Tasting and Cooking Experience: $258
- Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $279
- Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $283
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 PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $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
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar - Ritz-Carlton: $129
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubrovnik $17Saint 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)$15
-
Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$61
-
Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$52
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Dubrovnik: $113
- 2 Hours Private Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour: $163
- 2 hrs Guided Tour to CAVTAT a Small Place for Great Art: $59
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $59
- 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $129
- 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $92
- ATV Dubrovnik Safari Tour: Mt Srd & Traditional Villages: $123
- Adults Only Sunset Cruise in Dubrovnik on a 16th-Century Karaka: $60
- Adventure Dalmatia - Sunset Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling Dubrovnik: $53
- Adventure Park Cadmos Village from Dubrovnik: $212
- Afternoon Dubrovnik Guided Kayaking Tour: $33
- Ancient Old City– Finest tour of Dubrovnik: $29
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- #1 St. Thomas Ghost Tour – Virgin Island's Original Haunted Tour: $41
- 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
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $130
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubrovnik $19Saint 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: $41
- Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $45
- Wine Tasting in Konavle, Near Dubrovnik & Cavtat – Join Us!: $53
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $94
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $94
- Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $94
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $104
- Half-Day Tour from Dubrovnik to Konavle with Wine Tasting: $106
- Konavle Valley Wine Tasting from Dubrovnik with Light Lunch: $106
- Full Day Korcula and Peljesac Wine Tasting Tour in Dubrovnik: $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 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 JulyDubrovnik 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 OctoberDubrovnik 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 JanuaryDubrovnik 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 AprilDubrovnik 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) |
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.