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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Myrtle Beach or Saint Thomas?

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular and touristy beach destinations on the South Atlantic coast. It's a popular spring break destination for college kids and there is no shortage of hotels and entertainment options along the beach front. It's also well known as a golfing destination, and it has some wonderful seafood restaurants and shopping areas. If you're looking for a natural, relaxed beach destination, Myrtle Beach is not your best option, but if you're looking for the thrills of club hopping, wonderful food options, and souvenir shopping opportunities, then Myrtle Beach is where it's at.

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 States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Myrtle Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $173, 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 Myrtle Beach and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Myrtle Beach $88
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Myrtle Beach $176
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Myrtle Beach and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach


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: Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $24
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36

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:

  • 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 Myrtle Beach or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Myrtle Beach 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
    Myrtle Beach $56
    Saint Thomas $54
Typical Food Prices in Myrtle Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Myrtle Beach.

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
  • North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
  • Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $46
    Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few actual costs in Myrtle Beach for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Huntington Beach State Park in Myrtle Beach: $69
  • Day Trip to Charleston Tour #5: Bus Tour, Boone Plantation, Lunch and More: $120
  • Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more: $215
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Friday Night Flights Local Beer Tour in Myrtle Beach: $90
  • From Charleston Tour with Boone Hall & Cruise: $173
  • Kayak Salt Marsh Maze Tour: $45
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise Murrells Inlet: $50

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Myrtle Beach $16
    Saint 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 Myrtle Beach and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Myrtle Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Myrtle Beach Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Saint Thomas?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Saint Thomas?

Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Myrtle Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the summer, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Myrtle Beach gets 283 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 Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Saint Thomas. The autumn months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Myrtle Beach is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), 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 Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during autumn. Myrtle Beach gets 227 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, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Myrtle Beach 65°F (18°C) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Saint Thomas. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

Myrtle Beach is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Myrtle Beach often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

Both Saint Thomas and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Myrtle Beach is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during spring. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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