Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Hilton Head Island?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Hilton Head Island or Saint Thomas?
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head, also called Hilton Head Island, is primarily a resort and beach town off the coast of South Carolina. Located on a barrier island, the place is best known for its beaches and golf courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHilton Head Island $243Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Hilton Head Island is $243, 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 Hilton Head Island and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHilton Head Island $129Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHilton Head Island $258Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Hilton Head Island and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Hilton Head Island 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: Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hilton Head Island $34Saint Thomas $37
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 &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Charlotte Amalie: $28
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Hilton Head Island or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Hilton Head Island 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 dayHilton Head Island $60Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
- Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
- Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
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
- PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $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.Hilton Head Island $23Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35
- 1 Hour Private Dolphin Tour Hilton Head Island: $250
- 2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour: $45
- 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin Tour: $48
- 90 Minute Hilton Head Dolphin and Nature Cruise: $45
- 90 minute Hilton Head Sunset Dolphin Cruise: $55
- Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
- Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
- Beaufort Gullah Heritage Tour: $49
- Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35
- Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $30
- Daufuskie Island Daily Round Trip Ferry Tickets: $54
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
- 2-Day Adventure Tour of St Thomas and St John: $199
- 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
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHilton Head Island $26Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:
- Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55
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 comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Saint Thomas, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Hilton Head Island is in North America and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilton Head Island Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Saint Thomas?
Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Saint Thomas?
Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Hilton Head Island is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) 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 JulyHilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Saint Thomas. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In October, Hilton Head Island is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In the autumn, Hilton Head Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) 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 OctoberHilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Hilton Head Island is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Hilton Head Island usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) 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 JanuaryHilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Hilton Head Island during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the spring, Hilton Head Island is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the spring, Hilton Head Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) 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 AprilHilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Hilton Head Island
| Hilton Head Island | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 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.