Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Saint Simons?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Simons or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Simons 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 Simons or Saint Thomas?
Saint Simons
Located just off the coast of southern Georgia, Saint Simons Island is the largest of the state’s renowned "Golden Isle's." Visitors are drawn to the Island for its warm climate, beaches, variety of outdoor activities, shops and restaurants, historical sites, and its natural environment. With most of the natural marsh and woodlands to the north and the commercial attractions centralized in the south, Saint Simons has a little taste of everything for all who come to see it.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Simons $176Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Simons is $176, 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 Simons and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Simons $100Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Simons $200Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Saint Simons and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Saint Simons 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: Saint Simons Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Simons $49Saint Thomas $37
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 Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Simons or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Saint Simons 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 Simons $48Saint Thomas $54
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
- PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $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.Saint Simons $16Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- 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
- Saint Thomas Half-Day Shopping and Sightseeing Tour: $55
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Simons $60Saint 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Simons and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Saint Simons much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Simons is in North 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 Saint Simons would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Simons Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Simons or Saint Thomas?
Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Saint Simons during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) 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 JulySaint Simons 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Saint Simons or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Saint Thomas. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Saint Simons is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Simons usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) 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 OctoberSaint Simons 70°F (21°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Saint Simons or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In January, Saint Simons is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Saint Simons often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Saint Simons usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) 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 JanuarySaint Simons 53°F (12°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Saint Simons or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Saint Simons is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Simons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) 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 AprilSaint Simons 68°F (20°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Saint Simons
| Saint Simons | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 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.