Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Saint John's?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint John's or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint John's 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: Saint John's or Saint Thomas?
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John's $222Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, 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 Saint John's and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John's $120Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John's $240Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint John's $17Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $253
- Biggvee Premium Airport One Way Transfer: $200
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
- Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
- Private Transfers and Tours in Saint John's Antigua and Barbuda: $160
- 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
- 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, German & English Guide Included: $155
- Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $154
- 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $128
- Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax. Zone C: Hotels: $120
- Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $112
- Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $99
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
- 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
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Saint John's 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 daySaint John's $68Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- 1-Course Vegan Cooking Class w Beautiful Ambience.: $99
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
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: $85
- Pizza Pi Shuttle™ (Official) - St Thomas : $95
- 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
- PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $169
- 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.Saint John's $103Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
- 6-Hours Guided Stingray Tour in the East Coast of Antigua: $161
- Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $125
- Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $190
- Animal Lovers Dream Tour: Stingray/Snorkeling Tours are Available: $128
- Antigua Historic Fort & Beach Tour on Segway From St. John's: $125
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $150
- Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
- Antigua Seafood Lunch Cruise From St. John's: $135
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour: $110
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Drinks & Diamonds Shopping Experience in St. Thomas: $5.00
- 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 Suttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours USVI-Scenic Island Tour ,St. Thomas: $50
- St Thomas Shore Excursion: Shopping, Sightseeing and Beach Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John's $18Saint 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 comparing the travel costs between Saint John's and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint John's Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Saint Thomas?
Saint John's has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's 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 Saint John's or Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Saint John's or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Saint John's during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint John's. In the summer, Saint John's often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Saint John's gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
In July, Saint John's is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John's 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Saint John's gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Saint John's is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John's 27°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Saint Thomas. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Saint John's usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In the winter, Saint John's often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Saint John's gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Saint John's is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint John's in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John's 24°C (76°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In April, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Saint John's gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint John's is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 26°C (78°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John's 26°C (78°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Saint John's
| Saint John's | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.