Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Saint Thomas. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Saint Thomas?
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Rotterdam Prices
Netherlands PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRotterdam $222Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is $222, 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 Rotterdam and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRotterdam $95Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRotterdam $190Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam 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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rotterdam $30Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Brussels: $289
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $283
- Private transfer: Rotterdam>Amsterdam, 2h Stop in De Haar Castle: $274
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $271
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $265
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Gouda: $264
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $224
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Arnhem: $218
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Antwerp: $209
- Rotterdam to Amsterdam Airport(AMS) - Departure Private Transfer: $200
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Schiphol Airport: $186
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport: $186
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:
- St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $267
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $225
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $200
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $200
- Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $180
- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton: $180
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove: $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Rotterdam 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 dayRotterdam $103Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza Cruise: $46
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Iconic Rotterdam Food Tour: 7 Local Dishes with a Guide: $85
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $104
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $104
- Rotterdam Walking Food Tour with 7 Delicious Tastings: $105
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $117
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $130
- Private Food Tour in Rotterdam Taste the Future: $147
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $175
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 Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $109
- 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 Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres: $139
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rotterdam $36Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $31
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $195
- All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $224
- Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $71
- Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $164
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Best of small-group walking tour: $23
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $117
- Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $58
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.59
- Cruise Terminal Private Tour by Luxury Van: $346
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $127
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure: $79
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $130
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $169
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRotterdam $22Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.31
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $26
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $52
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam is in Europe 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 Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Saint Thomas?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Saint Thomas?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Rotterdam is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 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 JulyRotterdam 17°C (62°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In October, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°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, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Rotterdam gets 105 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. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 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 OctoberRotterdam 11°C (51°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Rotterdam is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 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 JanuaryRotterdam 2°C (36°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the spring, Rotterdam is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 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 AprilRotterdam 8°C (46°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Rotterdam
| Rotterdam | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.