Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Lima?
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 Lima 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 Lima 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: Lima or Saint Thomas?
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Lima Prices
Peru PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLima $98Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Lima is $98, 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 Lima and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLima $54Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLima $108Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Lima and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Lima 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: Lima Hotel Prices and Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lima $6.29Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.96
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Taxi Ride$5.96
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Short Taxi Ride$4.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- From Lima Private transfer to Paracas: $290
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $218
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $218
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $218
- Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $199
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $199
- Transfer from Lima Airport to your hotel and vice versa: $175
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $160
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $125
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $79
- Transfer in Private Van from the Airport to Hotels in Lima: $60
- Lima Airport Round Trip Transfer: $60
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: $82
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Ritz-Carlton - St. Thomas: $90
- St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven: $110
- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bluebeards castle or Yacht haven: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Lima or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Lima 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 dayLima $33Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.77
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Ice cream$3.87
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Coffee$3.28
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Donut$1.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $30
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $45
- Miraflores Cooking Class Ceviche, Tartar & Pisco Sour: $48
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Private Churros Cooking Class, Miraflores & Hotel Pickup: $50
- Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $55
- Miraflores Food Tour, eat like a local: $57
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $59
- Dinner at the Cala Restaurant in Lima: $63
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $67
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. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $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
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar - Ritz-Carlton: $129
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $269
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lima $9.51Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$18
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Movie Tickets$2.53
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, Tunnels & Vineyard: $149
- 2D Tour from Lima Paracas and Huacachina with Night in Huacachina: $230
- 3 Day Tour From Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Hour Private Electric Scooter Tour of Lima: $75
- 4 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $299
- 8-Hour Private Tour Lima Viceroyalty and Gold Museum with Lunch: $120
- A Half Day Lima City Tour: $45
- A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
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 Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
- St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
- Luxury Private Ride to Magens Bay | Cruise Ship Pickup & Return: $46
- Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLima $6.18Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$8.01
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Beer$4.47
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Cocktail$3.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- Local Wine Tour: $77
- From Lima Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Dunes and Wine Tour: $89
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 Lima and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lima 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lima Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lima or Saint Thomas?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Lima 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 Lima 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 Lima or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Lima as well as Saint Thomas. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Lima usually gets less rain in July than Saint Thomas. Lima gets 12 mm (0.5 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, Lima often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Lima gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Lima is much colder than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLima 18°C (64°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Lima or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Lima are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In October, Lima usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Lima gets 7 mm (0.3 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. Lima usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Lima gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Lima is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lima in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLima 19°C (66°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Lima or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Lima during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Lima usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Lima gets 4 mm (0.2 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. In the winter, Lima often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Lima gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Lima is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Lima average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLima 23°C (73°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Lima or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lima and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Lima usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Lima gets 2 mm (0.1 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. Lima usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Lima gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Lima is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLima 22°C (72°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Lima
| Lima | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.