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

Should you visit Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu or Saint Thomas?

Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.

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 Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, and The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Foz do Iguacu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, 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 Foz do Iguacu and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Foz do Iguacu $29
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Foz do Iguacu $58
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu


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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $13
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:

  • Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
  • Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
  • Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $49
  • Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
  • Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
  • Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
  • Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
  • IGU Airport Transfers: $17

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:

  • Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
  • Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
  • 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
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
  • Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
  • Private Ground Transfers: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Foz do Iguacu 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
    Foz do Iguacu $22
    Saint Thomas $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.

  • Official Entrance: Dinner with Latin American Show at Rafain Steakhouse: $52
  • Entrance to Rafain with Dinner and Show: $74
  • Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
  • Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
  • Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
  • Rafain Steakhouse Show - Dinner and Show Included: $103
  • Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $107
  • Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
  • Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Foz do Iguacu $24
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu

Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days Private Tour Argentinean & Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls: $150
  • 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $229
  • 2-Day Private Tour to Argentina and Brazil Falls: $112
  • 2-Days Private Brasil & Argentina Iguassu Falls Experience : $116
  • 2-day private tour Both waterfalls+ bird park: $199
  • Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
  • Airport IGU Round Trip & Iguassu Falls Argentinean side & Great Adventure: $295
  • Argentina Bike Experience: Interact with indigenous communities: $90
  • Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
  • Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $92
  • Argentinian Side of the Falls and Boat Tour Gran Aventura - All Tickets Included: $231
  • Bird Park Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

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

  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
  • 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
  • Vi Top Taxi & Tours USVI-Scenic Island Tour ,St. Thomas: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Foz do Iguacu $12
    Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.88

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 Foz do Iguacu and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu.

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


Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Saint Thomas?

Foz do Iguacu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Saint Thomas?

Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Foz do Iguacu during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In January, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomasin July. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomasin July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Foz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Saint Thomasin October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Foz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

In the winter, Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomasin January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Foz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

Both Saint Thomas and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Foz do Iguacu is generally cooler than Saint Thomasin April. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Foz do Iguacu. In October, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Foz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguacu Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 50 mm (2 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)