Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Houston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Houston or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Saint Thomas. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Houston or Saint Thomas?
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
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 Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHouston $262Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $262, 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 Houston and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHouston $142Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHouston $284Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Houston and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Houston 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: Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Houston $72Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $540
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $347
- George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
- RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
- Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
- William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
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:
- 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 Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Houston 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 dayHouston $35Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
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.Houston $14Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
- 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
- Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- 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
- Saint Thomas Half-Day Shopping and Sightseeing Tour: $55
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHouston $13Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
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 Houston and Saint Thomas, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Saint Thomas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Houston is in North 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 Saint Thomas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Thomas 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Saint Thomas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Houston Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Houston or Saint Thomas?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston or Saint Thomas?
Houston 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 Houston or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Houston during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In July, Houston is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHouston 84°F (29°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Houston or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Houston is cooler than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Houston usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHouston 71°F (22°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Houston or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Houston as well as Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the winter, Houston is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
Houston usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHouston 52°F (11°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Houston or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Houston is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In April, Houston usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHouston 70°F (21°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Houston
| Houston | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.