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

Should you visit Oslo or Saint Thomas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo or Saint Thomas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Oslo or Saint Thomas?

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Oslo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Oslo Prices
    Norway Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oslo $161
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Oslo is $161, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Oslo and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oslo $79
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oslo $158
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Oslo and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Oslo 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 Oslo


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: Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oslo $23
    Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $7.78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Arrival Transfer: Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo by Business Van: $270
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Hotel: $270
  • Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Bus: $263
  • Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL: $263
  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $192
  • Private Oslo Airport and City Transfers: $177
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $176
  • Oslo Private Transfer Between Gardermoen Airport and City: $158
  • Oslo Private Airport/Hotel Transfer Service || English Speaking: $153
  • Private Transfer From Oslo To Drammen With a 2 Hour Stop: $153
  • Oslo Airport Hotel Transfer Service English Speaking: $146
  • Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $142

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:

  • Secret Harbour Beach Transfer from CruiseShip-Snorkeling Optional: $52
  • Private transfer to Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal: $55
  • Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $81
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from Ritz-Carlton - St. Thomas: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer to and from Red Hook Ferry: $90
  • St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $96
  • St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
  • Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
  • Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
  • Prince Taxi USVI- ST.Thomas Aiport Transfer to Crown bay ferry: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Oslo or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Oslo 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
    Oslo $56
    Saint Thomas $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship: $81
  • Private Chef Forest Dinner: Authentic Norwegian Food Tour in Oslo: $129
  • Oslo fjord 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $161
  • Oslo Guided Food Tour with 5 Food Tastings and a Secret Dish: $165
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $189

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:

  • St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
  • St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $109
  • Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
  • Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
  • Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
  • St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres: $139
  • Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
  • St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oslo $16
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship: $69
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $286
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour for Great Food in Oslo: $165
  • A Refined Gastronomic Journey Oslo Signature Culinary Tour: $177
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Oslo's Waterfront: $7.99
  • Akerselva River Kayak/Packraft Tour: Urban Adventure in Oslo: $75
  • Best of Oslo Guided Walking Tour: $38
  • Best of Small Group Walking Tour (Max 10, 3 Hours): $68
  • Central Oslo Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • City Sightseeing Oslo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $46
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • Family-friendly Fun Oslo Private Guided Tour with Kids: $295

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.

  • Nature and Sightseeing at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
  • Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $30
  • Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
  • Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
  • High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port: $45
  • St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
  • Guided Stand Up Paddleboard Tour from Margaritaville: $48
  • Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
  • Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oslo $9.81
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:

  • Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oslo and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oslo is in Europe 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 Oslo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oslo 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 Oslo.

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


Which is Bigger, Oslo or Saint Thomas?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo or Saint Thomas?

Oslo 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 Oslo or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Oslo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

Oslo is much colder than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oslo 18°C (64°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Oslo or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

Both Saint Thomas and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Oslo is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In October, Oslo usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oslo 7°C (45°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Oslo or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

Both Saint Thomas and Oslo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Oslo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

The weather in Oslo can be very cold. In January, Oslo is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oslo -4°C (25°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Oslo or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Saint Thomas. The activities around the city are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Oslo is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oslo 6°C (42°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Oslo

Oslo Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)