Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Florianopolis?
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 Florianopolis or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis or Saint Thomas?
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry 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 Budget Tours to Brazil, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil.
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Florianopolis Prices
Brazil PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorianopolis $79Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $79, 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 Florianopolis and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $14Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $115
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú: $84
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $60
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $56
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
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:
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton: $180
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $82
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $114
- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $267
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Westin/Buoy Haus/Marriott: $134
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $180
- St Thomas Airport Private Transfers to Bouy haus: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Florianopolis 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 dayFlorianopolis $38Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Snack$0.44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
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
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- 2-Hour Pizza Pi and Snorkel Sail: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florianopolis $26Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Internet$0.60
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Balneário Camboriú tour and cable car ride from Florianópolis: $47
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Discover Florianópolis: Full Day City Tour and Local Highlights: $32
- Florianópolis city tour (full day): $22
- Florianopolis Bike Tour: Photography, History & Street Food: $90
- Florianopolis Food Walking Tour: $100
- Florianopolis Walking Tour - History, Art and Gastronomy: $18
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $38
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Tour in Florianopolis: $70
- Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $96
- Panoramic Tour to Campeche Island & Lagoon of Conception: $39
- Private Tour - Full Island - Nature, beach and sea - Ecotour: $240
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- 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
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure: $79
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $130
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
- 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: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorianopolis $8.82Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
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Beer$0.60
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 Florianopolis and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Saint Thomas?
Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Saint Thomas?
Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Saint Thomas. The summer months attract visitors to Florianopolis because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Saint Thomasin July. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Saint Thomas. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Florianopolis this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Florianopolis is cooler than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin October. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomasin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Florianopolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Florianopolis is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Florianopolis during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Florianopolis in the spring for the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In October, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Saint Thomasin April. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin April. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomasin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.