Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Guatemala City?
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 Guatemala City or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Guatemala City 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: Guatemala City or Saint Thomas?
Guatemala City
Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, and The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala.
-
Guatemala City Prices
Guatemala PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuatemala City $56Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $56, 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 Guatemala City and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuatemala City $25Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuatemala City $50Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City 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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guatemala City $6.28Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:
- Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Panajachel or Atitlan: $254
- Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Puerto Quetzal Port: $206
- Private Transfer - Guatemala Airport (GUA) to Puerto Quetzal Port: $206
- Private Transfers from Guatemala city to Panajachel: $200
- Airport Transfer for Large Groups – Private Bus: $195
- Guatemala Airport (GUA) to San Felipe de Lara - Arrival Transfer: $185
- Transfer Private Group Airport to Antigua or Viceversa: $120
- Private Transfer from Guatemala Airport GUA to Lake Atitlán: $96
- Private Transfer from Airport to Santa Catarina Palopó: $88
- Private Transfer From La Aurora AirPort to Panajachel Atitlan: $84
- Private Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, LakeAtitlan: $80
- Transfer from La Aurora airport to Antigua Guatemala.: $80
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:
- Secret Harbour Beach Transfer from CruiseShip-Snorkeling Optional: $52
- Private transfer to Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal: $55
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $81
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Ritz-Carlton - St. Thomas: $90
- Private Airport Transfer to and from Red Hook Ferry: $90
- St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $96
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Prince Taxi USVI- ST.Thomas Aiport Transfer to Crown bay ferry: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Guatemala City 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 dayGuatemala City $27Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
- Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $195
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
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guatemala City $1.23Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Guatemala City
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:
- 1 Day Lake Atitlan Tour from Guatemala City: $150
- 2-Day Tour: Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlan and Hobbitenango: $299
- 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $199
- 3-Day Antigua Guatemala and Pacaya Volcano Adventure: $256
- Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour - History Lovers Favorite: $245
- Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City: $78
- Antigua Guatemala Cultural Tour History and Gastronomy: $100
- Antigua Guatemala Full-Day Shared City Tour: $54
- Antigua Guatemala Full-Day Tour from Guatemala City: $79
- Antigua Guatemala NIGHT Photo Tour FROM Guatemala City: $125
- Antigua walking tour from Guatemala City: $90
- Bike Tour to Antigua Villages from Guatemala City: $175
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $30
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port: $45
- St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
- Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $55
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuatemala City $6.96Saint Thomas $27
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 Guatemala City and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guatemala City is in Central 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 Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guatemala City Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Saint Thomas?
Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City 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.
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.