Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Jacksonville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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: Jacksonville or Saint Thomas?
Jacksonville
As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJacksonville $220Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJacksonville $92Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJacksonville $184Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jacksonville $53Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336
- JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
- JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
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 Jacksonville or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Jacksonville 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 dayJacksonville $96Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18
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.Jacksonville $20Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
- 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
- 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
- Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
- Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
- Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
- CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
- Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
- Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
- Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60
- Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50
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 dayJacksonville $20Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
- Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135
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 Jacksonville and Saint Thomas, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Saint Thomas?
Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Saint Thomas?
Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Saint Thomas. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 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 JulyJacksonville 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In October, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°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 Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJacksonville 70°F (21°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Jacksonville is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 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 JanuaryJacksonville 53°F (12°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the spring, Jacksonville is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°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 Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJacksonville 68°F (20°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Jacksonville
| Jacksonville | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.