Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Liberia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Liberia 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 Liberia 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: Liberia or Saint Thomas?
Liberia
Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.
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 Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Liberia Prices
Costa Rica PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLiberia $141Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $141, 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 Liberia and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLiberia $66Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLiberia $132Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Liberia 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: Liberia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Liberia $47Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Bike Rental$27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:
- Private transfer from Guanacaste to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $299
- Transfer JW Marriot Costa Elena from Airports ROUND TRIP: $290
- Transfer from Nosara Beach to Liberia Airport (LIR): $280
- Private Round-Trip Transfer:Liberia Airport to Flamingo Beach with Free Drinks: $260
- Private Transfer from Liberia Int Airport (LIR) to Quepos Port: $256
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $255
- Private Transfer from SJO Airport to La Fortuna (1–6 Passengers): $250
- Private Transfer Int. Airport Liberia To La Fortuna From 1 to 6 passengers: $249
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Samara: $230
- Liberia Airport (LIR) Peñas Blancas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $210
- Liberia Airport(LIR) to JW Marriott/Riu Hotel -RoundTrip Transfer: $208
- Liberia Airport (LIR) to Arenal, La Fortuna - Arrival Transfer: $208
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:
- Secret Harbour Beach Transfer from CruiseShip-Snorkeling Optional: $52
- Private transfer to Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal: $55
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $81
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Ritz-Carlton - St. Thomas: $90
- Private Airport Transfer to and from Red Hook Ferry: $90
- St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $96
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Prince Taxi USVI- ST.Thomas Aiport Transfer to Crown bay ferry: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Liberia 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 dayLiberia $40Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Liberia
Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:
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Snacks$2.17
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Lunch at The Shack (for 1)$5.45
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Lunch$13
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Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)$15
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Ginger Ale$1.41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liberia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liberia.
- Tree Planting, Sunset, and Dinner at a Farm: $60
- 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara: $65
- Private Sunset Dinner at the Beach with Chef: $250
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:
- St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $109
- 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
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres: $139
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Liberia $28Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Liberia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:
- "Volcano Adventure & Hot Springs Tour from Guanacaste: $170
- 1 Day Private Tour in Nicaragua From Guanacaste Costa Rica: $236
- 2 Hour ATV Experience From Guanacaste: $189
- 2 Hour Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Playas del Coco: $40
- 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $130
- 4-Hour Private Guided ATV Tour in Costa Rica: $132
- 7 Hour Private Tour in Palo Verde National Park with Pickup: $150
- 8 Essential Guanacaste Experiences: culture, nature & wellness: $78
- 8 ways to awaken your senses. adventure, nature & wellness: $89
- ATV Adventure & Zipline Combo Tour in Guanacaste: $160
- ATV Beach Tour: $125
- ATV Tour and Buggy Driving from Nuevo Colon: $120
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $30
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port: $45
- St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
- Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLiberia $14Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Liberia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Liberia:
- Pirate History Pub Crawl in Playas Del Coco: $40
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liberia and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Liberia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Liberia is in Central 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 Liberia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Liberia 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 Liberia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liberia Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Liberia or Saint Thomas?
Liberia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Liberia 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 Liberia 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 Liberia or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Saint Thomas. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Liberia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Liberia usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the summer, Liberia often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Liberia gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Liberia is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLiberia 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Liberia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Liberia. In October, Liberia usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Liberia usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Liberia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Liberia is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liberia in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLiberia 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Liberia during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Liberia usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Liberia. In the winter, Liberia often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Liberia gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Liberia is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLiberia 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Liberia or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. In April, Liberia usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Liberia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Liberia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during spring. Liberia gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Liberia is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLiberia 29°C (85°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Liberia
| Liberia | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.