Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Saint Thomas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Saint Thomas?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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 Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, 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 Fortaleza and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $300
- Jericoacoara Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $273
- Private Transfer From FOR to Any Point in Fortaleza City: $270
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $180
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Canoa Quebrada: $173
- Fortaleza Airport to Canoa Quebrada One–Way Transfer: $160
- Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $153
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Icaraí-Amontada : $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
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 &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $24Saint Thomas $54
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
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $26
- City-Tour and Fortaleza (central market, cathedral, Fort, Theaters, encetur, P.ferreira: $56
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Fortaleza City Tour : $26
- Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
- 4-Hour City Car Tour: $266
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $159
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $79
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Saint 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Saint Thomas?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Saint Thomas?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomasin July. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In January, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 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 JulyFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Fortaleza during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Fortaleza often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin October. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomasin October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 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 OctoberFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during winter. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 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 JanuaryFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In October, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomasin April. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the spring, Fortaleza often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomasin April. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomasin April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 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 AprilFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.