Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or La Paz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit La Paz or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Saint Thomas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: La Paz or Saint Thomas?
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
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 Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Paz $118Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $118, 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 La Paz and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Paz $52Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Paz $104Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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: La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Paz $22Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
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:
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $28
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and La Paz 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 dayLa Paz $38Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
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.La Paz $13Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
- 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
- Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
- Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
- Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
- Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
- Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
- Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $167
- Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
- Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
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 dayLa Paz $12Saint 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 La Paz and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since La Paz 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 La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, La Paz or Saint Thomas?
La Paz has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz or Saint Thomas?
La Paz 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 La Paz or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In July, La Paz is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the summer, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Saint Thomas. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) 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 JulyLa Paz 30°C (86°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit La Paz or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
La Paz is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) 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 OctoberLa Paz 27°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit La Paz or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the winter, La Paz is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the winter, La Paz often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) 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 JanuaryLa Paz 18°C (65°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit La Paz or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Saint Thomas. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, La Paz is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) 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 AprilLa Paz 23°C (73°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and La Paz
| La Paz | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.