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

Should you visit Islamorada or Saint Thomas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Saint Thomas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Islamorada or Saint Thomas?

Islamorada

From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Islamorada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Islamorada Prices
    USA Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Islamorada $179
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamorada is $179, 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 Islamorada and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamorada $79
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamorada $158
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Islamorada 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 Islamorada


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: Islamorada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamorada $28
    Saint Thomas $37

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:

  • Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
  • Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
  • Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
  • Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
  • ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
  • Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
  • Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamorada or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $81
    Saint Thomas $94

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:

  • Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
  • St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
  • 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
  • Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
  • St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
  • Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
  • Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamorada $19
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

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

  • 1.5 Hour (20 miles) Waverunner Tour. See Mangrove Tunnels, 20 Islands & SandBar: $259
  • 2 Hour Private Eco-Tour: $950
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515
  • Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Sandbar: $950
  • Private Snorkel & Sandbar Adventure: $599

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

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

  • Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
  • Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
  • Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
  • Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
  • 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
  • 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
  • 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
  • Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
  • Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
  • Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamorada $15
    Saint Thomas $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamorada and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamorada 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 Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.

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


Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Saint Thomas?

Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Saint Thomas?

Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

Both Saint Thomas and Islamorada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In the autumn, Islamorada is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.

Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Saint Thomas. The winter months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Islamorada is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Saint Thomas. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Islamorada

Islamorada Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)