Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro or Saint Thomas?
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 10-Day Tours in Brazil, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $105Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $105, 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 Rio de Janeiro and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.97Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private transfer to Ilha Grande.: $930
- From Private Transfer to São Paulo: $650
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer (Sector 7): $468
- Rio's 2025 Carnival Parade at Sapucaí + Transfer Sector 5: $468
- Rio: Sambadrome Carnival Parade + transfer 2025 Sector 7: $468
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $468
- Rio Carnival 2025: Sambadrome Parade + Transfer Sector 5: $468
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $468
- Helicopter Ride for 25 to 30min with Transfer service: $300
- All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial/Cabo Frio/Angra: $272
- From Private Transfer to Vila do Abraão: $244
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 Rio de Janeiro or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $20Saint Thomas $54
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.59
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Corn on the Cob$0.78
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Hamburger$0.98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $72
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $82
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $105
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142
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.Rio de Janeiro $22Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- 03 - Guided Tour to the Grande Rio Academics Barracão: $120
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $100
- 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $260
- 14 - Guided Tour to Quadra Do Salgueiro with Samba Show: $75
- 15 - Guided Tour to Santa Marta Favela: $150
- 16 - Guided Tour to Favela da Rocinha: $75
- 19 - Guided Tour to the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: $90
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $175
- 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: $80
- 26 - Guided Tour to Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer: $120
- 27 -Guided Tour to Christ the Redeemer and City in Rio de Janeiro: $75
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 dayRio de Janeiro $12Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $28
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $131
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 Rio de Janeiro and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Saint Thomas?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Saint Thomas?
Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Rio de Janeiro during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the summer, Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomasin July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 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 JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Rio de Janeiro is generally cooler than Saint Thomasin October. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomasin October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 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 OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Rio de Janeiro is cooler than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomasin January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 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 JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Rio de Janeiro 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 the spring, Rio de Janeiro is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.
In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 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 AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.