Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Mazatlan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mazatlan or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Mazatlan 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: Mazatlan or Saint Thomas?
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMazatlan $79Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $79, 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 Mazatlan and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMazatlan $33Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMazatlan $66Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan 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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mazatlan $21Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
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:
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- 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
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Mazatlan or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Mazatlan 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 dayMazatlan $34Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
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.Mazatlan $9.59Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barrio Bites tour: $78
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- BeachBlast ATV's & City Tour: $99
- Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour: $115
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- From Zipline & ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting: $210
- Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan: $75
- Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán: $110
- Jungle and beach ATV tour + lunch + tequila tasting: $120
- Mazatlán: Beach & Jungle ATV Tour w/ Lunch & Tequila Tasting: $126
- Mazatlán: Tequila Factory & Country Sightseeing: $103
- Mazatlán: Zipline Adventure, Sightseeing & Mezcal Tasting: $128
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 dayMazatlan $18Saint 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 Mazatlan and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mazatlan Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Saint Thomas?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Saint Thomas?
Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In July, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 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 JulyMazatlan 29°C (83°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Saint Thomas. The shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 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 OctoberMazatlan 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the winter, Mazatlan is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 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 JanuaryMazatlan 20°C (67°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Mazatlan is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Mazatlan 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 AprilMazatlan 22°C (72°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Mazatlan
| Mazatlan | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.