Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Punta Cana?
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 Punta Cana or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Punta Cana 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 Cana or Saint Thomas?
Punta Cana
Punta Cana, located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. This Caribbean paradise offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all types of travelers, whether you're on a tight budget, seeking thrilling activities, exploring local cuisine, or figuring out the best ways to get around.
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 Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
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Punta Cana Prices
Dominican Republic PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta Cana $180Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Cana is $180, 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 Punta Cana and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta Cana $100Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta Cana $200Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Punta Cana and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Punta Cana 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 Cana Hotel Prices and Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta Cana $6.75Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Cana
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Punta Cana:
- Round Trip Transfer from Santo Domingo SDQ to Punta Cana: $295
- Punta Cana Airport in Transfer Romana Hotels Van: $275
- Best Deal Private Transfer Punta Cana to Santo Domingo Round Trip: $267
- private transfer standard and premium punta cana airport to puerto plata: $265
- Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) to Santo Domingo - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
- Private Round Trip Punta Cana Airport to Uvero Alto Villa/Hotel Transfer: $250
- Punta Cana Airport PUJ to Las Terrenas Arrival Private Transfer: $246
- Tesla Transfer from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo: $235
- Transfers From Las America Airport AILA SDQTo All Place at Punta Cana: $227
- VIP Transfer from Santo Domingo aiport - La Romana - Punta Cana: $220
- Private Transfers Santo Domingo airport (SDQ) to Uvero Alto Hotels: $200
- One Way Private Transfer from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo City: $187
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:
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- Luxury Airport Transfer to or from St Thomas The Ritz Carlton: $175
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian: $174
- 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: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $174
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin: $135
- Prince Taxi USVI- ST.Thomas Aiport Transfer to Crown bay ferry: $120
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta Cana or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Punta Cana 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 Cana $68Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Punta Cana
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Punta Cana.
- "PRIVATE"- Wild Dominican Sancocho Cooking Adventure!: $99
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride, Dinner and Taino Party: $139
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride and Taino Party with Dinner: $139
- Dinner in the Sky Experience in Punta Cana: $149
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride, Dinner and Taino Party: $294
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 PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $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
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $129
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta Cana $31Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Punta Cana
Here are a few typical costs in Punta Cana for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Dune Buggy Adventure$53
Tours and Activities in Punta Cana
Here are a few actual costs in Punta Cana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- “Saona Island Tour by Catamaran & Speedboat – Punta Cana”: $99
- 2-Hour Horseback Riding Tour at Sunset from Punta Cana: $70
- 3 ADVENTURES: Sailing Catamaran Cruise - Hooka Diving - Snorkeling: $105
- 3 Hour Punta Cana Outdoor Adventure: $65
- 3 Hours Half Day Tour Buggy Macao Beach cenote Hotel Pickup: $34
- 3 Hours Shared Buggy Tour in Punta Cana: $55
- 3-Day Ultimate Dominican Adventure: Nature, Culture & History: $190
- 3-Hour Extreme Buggy Tour of Punta Cana: $45
- 4 Hour ATV and Horseback Adventure in Punta Cana: $125
- 4 Hour Buggys Adventure Tour in Punta Cana: $50
- 4 Hour Speed Experience in Punta Cana: $80
- 4 Hours Tour in Round Mountain and Macao Beach From Uvero Alto: $150
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: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- #1 St. Thomas Ghost Tour – Virgin Island's Original Haunted Tour: $41
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
- St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours USVI-Scenic Island Tour ,St. Thomas: $50
- High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta Cana $11Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta Cana and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Punta Cana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Punta Cana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Cana 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 Cana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta Cana Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta Cana or Saint Thomas?
Punta Cana has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Punta Cana 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.
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.