Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Huaraz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Huaraz 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 Huaraz and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Huaraz or Saint Thomas?
Huaraz
Huaraz is a large town in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Central Sierra. Huaraz stands tall at 3100m; travellers from Lima might need a day or two to acclimatize to the change in atmosphere. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, the town of 100,000 blends a mix of modern and native culture. Huarez is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During high season the streets buzz with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or planning their next expedition. The town has many markets, shops, quality restaurants and hopping bars catering to tourist and local needs. Mountain adventures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is calmer and some places go into hibernation once the rains set in.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuaraz $50Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Huaraz is $50, 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 Huaraz and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuaraz $20Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuaraz $40Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Huaraz and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Huaraz 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: Huaraz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Huaraz $10Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$2.17
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 Ground Transfers: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Huaraz or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Huaraz 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 dayHuaraz $18Saint Thomas $54
Typical Food Prices in Huaraz
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:
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Lunch$5.97
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Chips$1.49
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.Huaraz $19Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz
Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Climbing Gear$17
Tours and Activities in Huaraz
Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-day tour to Parón, Llanganuco and Laguna 69 from Huaraz: $150
- 69 Lake Tour of Peru: $26
- Ancash: Adventure and Climbing to Mountain Alpamayo |6D-5N|: $3,303
- Ancash: Nevado pastors and puyas Raymondi Tour | Full Day |: $40
- Ancash: Trek and Adventure to Quillcayhuanca |3Days-2Nights|: $410
- From Ancash: Fantastic tour Huaraz/Nevado Pastoruri |4D-3N|: $192
- From Ancash: Huaraz Adventure with meals |3Days-2Nights|: $142
- From Ancash: Tour Huaraz with Puya Raymondi |4Days-3Nights|: $197
- From Ancash: Tour fantastic in Huaraz |2Days-1Night|: $92
- From Ancash: Tour in Huaraz with tickets and Hotel |5D-4N|: $250
- From Huaraz | Live an adventure between mountains and lakes: $214
- From Huaraz || Full day tour Laguna 69 in -Cordillera Blanca: $36
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuaraz $15Saint 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 Huaraz and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Huaraz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Huaraz 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 Huaraz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huaraz 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 Huaraz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huaraz Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Huaraz or Saint Thomas?
Huaraz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Huaraz 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 Huaraz or Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Huaraz or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Huaraz during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Huaraz usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Saint Thomas. Huaraz gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Huaraz can be very cold during summer. Huaraz is much colder than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Huaraz averages around 3°C (37°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHuaraz 3°C (37°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Huaraz or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Huaraz and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Huaraz usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Huaraz gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The weather in Huaraz can be very cold. In the autumn, Huaraz is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Huaraz in October average around 4°C (39°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHuaraz 4°C (39°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Huaraz or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Huaraz as well as Saint Thomas. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Huaraz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Huaraz usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Huaraz gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Huaraz is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Huaraz average around 7°C (45°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHuaraz 7°C (45°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Huaraz or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Huaraz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Huaraz usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Huaraz gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Huaraz is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Huaraz averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHuaraz 6°C (43°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Huaraz
| Huaraz | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 7°C (45°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 5°C (41°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 3°C (37°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (39°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 112 mm (4.4 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.