Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Nags Head?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nags Head or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nags Head 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: Nags Head or Saint Thomas?
Nags Head
Nags Head is a popular tourist destination in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The town, with a population of almost 3,000, has many nice beaches and is also where you'll find Jockey's Ridge, which has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It's also the most visited park within the North Carolina park system.
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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNags Head $149Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNags Head $80Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNags Head $160Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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: Nags Head Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nags Head $40Saint Thomas $37
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
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- 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 Nags Head or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Nags Head 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 dayNags Head $41Saint Thomas $54
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
- PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $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.Nags Head $14Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Nags Head
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.
- 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
- Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
- Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
- Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
- Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
- OBX Ghost Tours: $25
- Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
- Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
- Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
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
- 2-Day Adventure Tour of St Thomas and St John: $199
- 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
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNags Head $12Saint 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 Nags Head and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Nags Head much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nags Head 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 Nags Head would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nags Head 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 Nags Head.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nags Head Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Saint Thomas?
Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Nags Head is cooler than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) 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 JulyNags Head 78°F (26°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nags Head or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the autumn, Nags Head is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Nags Head gets 205 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. Nags Head usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) 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 OctoberNags Head 62°F (16°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nags Head or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nags Head. In January, Nags Head is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), 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. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) 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 JanuaryNags Head 41°F (5°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Nags Head or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Nags Head is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) 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 AprilNags Head 59°F (15°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Nags Head
| Nags Head | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 41°F (5°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 42°F (6°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 59°F (15°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 67°F (19°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (25°C) | 5 inches (127 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 72°F (22°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 62°F (16°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 45°F (7°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) | 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.