Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Phuket or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket 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: Phuket or Saint Thomas?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, 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 Phuket and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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: Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 5-8 Islands with Pickup and Transfer: $221
- Jet Ski Island Hopping Adventure from Phuket Lunch and Transfers: $209
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $174
- ATV Bike 1 hr + Zipline Adventure 35 platforms with meal and Free Transfer : $160
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $160
- Freedom Party Boat Cruise By HYPE Boat Club Phuket - Include Pickup Transfer: $153
- From Krabi : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Khaolak and More: $150
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $135
- Private Airport Arrival Transfer : Airport to Hotel in Krabi: $135
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $131
- Phuket Airport Transfers : Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT in Luxury Van: $130
- Phuket Airport Transfers : Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City in Luxury Van: $130
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:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- 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 to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $43Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $54
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $58
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
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:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- 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
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
- Best of Phi Phi Island Adventure Day Tour with Lunch from Phuket: $50
- Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
- Experience Patong Boxing Stadium Tickets: $68
- James Bond Island Adventure Full Day Speedboat/Big Boat Phuket : $63
- Patong Trolley Tours: $55
- Phi Phi Islands Premium Speedboat Adventure Day Tour from Phuket: $67
- Phuket Night Food Walking tour : $106
- Phuket Scenic Horseback Riding Adventure : $70
- Phuket Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation: $172
- Aeolos Catamaran Tour to Coral & Racha Islands + Lunch: $80
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour 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: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
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Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket is in Asia 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 Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket 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 Phuket.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Saint Thomas?
Phuket has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Phuket or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
In July, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Saint Thomas. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Phuket is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Phuket
| Phuket | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.