Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Puerto Varas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas 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: Puerto Varas or Saint Thomas?
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a city in Southern Chile, in the Los Lagos (Lakes) Region, Llanquihue Province. It is a charming town, only 23 km away from Puerto Montt and surrounded by the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes as well as the impressive Llanquihue lake. In terms of landscape, accommodation and activities, Puerto Varas is well served! Kayak, paddle, canyoning, rock climbing, trekking, ski, fishing, you name it! If you decide to stop in that area, we recommend that you stay in Puerto Varas, as it provides the perfect starting point for many memorable excursions in the 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 G Adventures Tours to Chile, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto Varas $109Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Varas is $109, 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 Puerto Varas and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto Varas $67Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto Varas $134Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Puerto Varas and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Varas 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: Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto Varas $21Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Varas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
- Transfer from Hotel in Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $24
- Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $21
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:
- 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 Puerto Varas or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Puerto Varas 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 dayPuerto Varas $25Saint 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
- 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.Puerto Varas $19Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Puerto Varas
Here are a few actual costs in Puerto Varas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Adventure Fullday Tour Osorno Volcano and Saltos de Petrohue National Park: $150
- From Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt: Chiloé Island Tour: $60
- From Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour: $49
- Full-Day Osorno Vulcano and Petrohue Falls Small-Group Tour: $80
- Half-Day Small-Group Rafting Experience in Petrohué River: $52
- Lake Llanquihue Bike Tour in Puerto Varas: $129
- Petrohue Falls and Osorno Volcano Bike Tour: $124
- Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Varas: $68
- Premium Half Day Shared Tour Sunset at Osorno Volcano: $130
- Premium Small-Group Half day Tour to Frutillar in Puerto Varas: $144
- Private Rock Climbing Experience in Northern Patagonia: $100
- Full-Day Tour Chiloe Island: Castro and Dalcahue : $62
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto Varas $6.51Saint 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 Puerto Varas and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Varas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Varas Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Puerto Varas or Saint Thomas?
Puerto Varas has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas or Saint Thomas?
Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Puerto Varas during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In January, Puerto Varas is generally much colder than Saint Thomasin July. Daily temperatures in Puerto Varas average around 16°C (60°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Puerto Varas. In the summer, Puerto Varas often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin July. Puerto Varas gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Puerto Varas usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomasin July. Puerto Varas gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPuerto Varas 16°C (60°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Puerto Varas or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto Varas and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Puerto Varas is much colder than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto Varas averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Puerto Varas usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Puerto Varas gets 104 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. Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Puerto Varas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomasin October. Puerto Varas gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPuerto Varas 11°C (51°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Puerto Varas or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Puerto Varas as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the winter, Puerto Varas is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto Varas in July average around 7°C (45°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Puerto Varas often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin January. Puerto Varas gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Puerto Varas receives a lot of rain in the winter. Puerto Varas usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomasin January. Puerto Varas gets 229 mm (9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPuerto Varas 7°C (45°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Puerto Varas or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Puerto Varas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Puerto Varas is generally much colder than Saint Thomasin April. Daily temperatures in Puerto Varas average around 11°C (51°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Puerto Varas usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Puerto Varas gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. In October, Puerto Varas usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin April. Puerto Varas gets 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPuerto Varas 11°C (51°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Puerto Varas
| Puerto Varas | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 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.