Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Punta Arenas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta Arenas or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Punta Arenas 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: Punta Arenas or Saint Thomas?
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
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 from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta Arenas $63Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Arenas is $63, 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 Punta Arenas and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta Arenas $32Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta Arenas $64Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Punta Arenas and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Punta Arenas 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: Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta Arenas $1.80Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
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
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- 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 Punta Arenas or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Punta Arenas 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 dayPunta Arenas $21Saint Thomas $54
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
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.Punta Arenas $6.44Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
- Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
- Private City Cruise Tour: $225
- Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250
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
- 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
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta Arenas $4.86Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
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 Punta Arenas and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta Arenas Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta Arenas or Saint Thomas?
Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas or Saint Thomas?
Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Punta Arenas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Punta Arenas is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta Arenas in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta Arenas. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Punta Arenas gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Punta Arenas usually receives less rain than Saint Thomasin July. Punta Arenas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) 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 January and JulyPunta Arenas 11°C (52°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Punta Arenas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In April, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Saint Thomasin October. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 7°C (44°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin October. Punta Arenas gets 119 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. Punta Arenas usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomasin October. Punta Arenas gets 36 mm (1.4 in) 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 April and OctoberPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta Arenas and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Punta Arenas. Punta Arenas is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta Arenas averages around 1°C (35°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Punta Arenas usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Punta Arenas gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Punta Arenas usually receives less rain than Saint Thomasin January. Punta Arenas gets 30 mm (1.2 in) 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 July and JanuaryPunta Arenas 1°C (35°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Punta Arenas or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Punta Arenas as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the spring, Punta Arenas is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta Arenas in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin April. Punta Arenas gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Punta Arenas usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomasin April. Punta Arenas gets 29 mm (1.1 in) 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 October and AprilPunta Arenas 7°C (44°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Punta Arenas
| Punta Arenas | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.