Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Manaus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manaus or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Manaus or Saint Thomas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Manaus or Saint Thomas?
Manaus
Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManaus $59Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Manaus is $59, 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 Manaus and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManaus $42Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManaus $84Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Manaus and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Manaus 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: Manaus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manaus $7.94Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $72
- Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $40
- Transfers from the airport to any place in Manaus City: $40
- Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $35
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
- Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
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
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $28
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- 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 Manaus or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Manaus 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 dayManaus $12Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $50
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.Manaus -Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
- Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $80
- Amazon Jungle Experience with Overnight: $300
- Amazon Jungle: 3- or 4-Day Tour at Ipanema River Guest House: $200
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Amazon Private Safari by Tuhiri Eco Tour - Leaving Manaus: $199
- Amazon River Stand Up Paddling Tour: $124
- Amazon and Negro Rivers Experience with Night Exploration Tour: $300
- City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
- City Tour no Centro Histórico de Manaus com um fotógrafo: $91
- From Manaus Cruise Terminal: Amazon Rainforest Highlights: $150
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
- 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
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManaus $2.84Saint 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 Manaus and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Manaus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manaus 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 Manaus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manaus 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 Manaus.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manaus Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manaus or Saint Thomas?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Manaus 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 Manaus or Saint Thomas?
Manaus 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 Manaus or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manaus and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Manaus is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomasin July. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Manaus gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Manaus usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin July. Manaus gets 264 mm (10.4 in) 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 January and JulyManaus 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manaus as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Manaus is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manaus averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin October. Manaus gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Manaus receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manaus usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomasin October. Manaus gets 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberManaus 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Manaus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Manaus is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manaus in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Manaus. Manaus usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Manaus gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Manaus usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin January. Manaus gets 85 mm (3.4 in) 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 July and JanuaryManaus 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Manaus or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Manaus during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In October, Manaus is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomasin April. Daily temperatures in Manaus average around 29°C (84°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Manaus often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin April. Manaus gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. Manaus usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomasin April. Manaus gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilManaus 29°C (84°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Manaus
| Manaus | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 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.