Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montevideo or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Saint Thomas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montevideo or Saint Thomas?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $63Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, 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 Montevideo and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $39Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.32Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
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 &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $13Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
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.Montevideo $21Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
- Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
- Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
- Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $110
- Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
- Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $950
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 dayMontevideo -Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
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 Montevideo and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Saint Thomas?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Saint Thomas?
Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the summer 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 summer, Montevideo is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JulyMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Montevideo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In April, Montevideo is generally much colder than Saint Thomasin October. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°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, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin October. Montevideo gets 171 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomasin October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 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 OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Montevideo is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 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 JanuaryMontevideo 11°C (52°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the spring, Montevideo is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the spring, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin April. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomasin April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 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 AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.