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

Should you visit London or Saint Thomas?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: London or Saint Thomas?

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or London?

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

  • London Prices
    UK Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    London $295
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in London is $295, 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 London and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    London $171
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    London $342
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in London and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in London 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 London


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: London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    London $35
    Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    $20
  • Heathrow Express
    $25
  • Luggage Storage
    $11
  • London Map
    $1.76
  • Oyster Card
    $49
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $29
  • Oyster Card
    $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $815
  • Southampton: LHR to Southampton Executive SUV Transfer: $701
  • Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port: $620
  • Private Transfer From Southampton Cruise Terminal to London: $606
  • Private Transfer Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal: $606
  • Airport - hotel - airport transfers for Heathrow groups.: $532
  • Cambridge: LHR to Cambridge Executive SUV Transfer: $525
  • Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $507
  • Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $489
  • London Hotels and Airports: Private Transfer to Southampton: $472
  • Heathrow to Southampton Private Cruise Transfer Luxury MPV: $472
  • Southampton To London Heathrow Airport Transfers: $472

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 London or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and London 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
    London $81
    Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $18
  • Tea
    $8.18
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $53
  • Morning Tea
    $8.66
  • Pastry
    $6.82
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $48
  • Tasting History: A Choose Your Own Menu Food Tour: $49
  • Pizza and Beer Bus Experience: $67
  • London Soho & Covent Garden Food Tour by Do Eat Better : $79
  • International Stand Up Show & Monmouth K. Dinner in Covent Garden: $89
  • Borough Market Christmas Food Tour with Tea and Doughnuts: $96
  • Private South Indian Home Cooking Experience in Orpington: $105
  • Devour Borough Market & Leadenhall Food Tour with Wine: $115
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $117
  • Hungry for Soho: London's Finest Food Tour: $122
  • Eating London East End Food Tour: $122
  • London Cheese Chocolate and Christmas Lights Food Tour: $123

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.
    London $44
    Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $113
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $47
  • London Pass
    $64
  • Comedy Show
    $11

Tours and Activities in London

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

  • Experience Fitzrovia Comedy Club in London: $6.85
  • Greenwich, Real-world Adventure Game: $21
  • London King's Cross Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited: $30
  • Londons Treasures Guided Tour of the British Museum: $103
  • Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $40
  • Rock 'n' Roll Soho - a Walking Tour: $29
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $40
  • 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $32
  • 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $48
  • 2 Hour Big Ben to Borough Market Walking Tour: $41
  • 2 Hour Private Rock & Roll Tour London: $295
  • 2 Hours History Walking Tour of The Secret Streets in Chelsea : $89

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
    London $21
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $16
  • London Pub Tour: $27
  • London Pub Crawl: $29
  • Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery Tour and Cocktail: $30
  • Camden Pub Crawl in London: $34
  • The Great East London Pub Crawl!: $34
  • Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London: $34
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
  • Small Group Historical Pub Tour, Beer Included: $60
  • East End Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Brixton Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Devour London Historical Pub Tour:Traditional British Food & Ales: $95


When comparing the travel costs between London and Saint Thomas, we can see that London 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 London is in Europe 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 London Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, London or Saint Thomas?

London has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London or Saint Thomas?

London 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 London or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, London is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. London usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    London 18°C (64°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit London or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

Both Saint Thomas and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In October, London is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. London gets 107 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. London usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    London 12°C (53°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit London or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Saint Thomas. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in London in the winter. London is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, 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. London usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    London 4°C (40°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit London or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

In the spring, London is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    London 9°C (48°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and London

London Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)