Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Anchorage? 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 Thomas or Anchorage?
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.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $218Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $218, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Thomas and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Anchorage? 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: Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Anchorage $27
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:
- Private Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Charlotte Amalie: $28
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $109
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Saint Thomas 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 Thomas $54Anchorage $50
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
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Anchorage $30
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
- Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
- Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage Ice Fishing Adventure: $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Anchorage $20
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Thomas and Anchorage, we can see that Saint Thomas 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. Even though Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Anchorage is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Thomas Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Anchorage?
Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Anchorage, 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 Thomas or Anchorage?
Anchorage 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 Thomas or Anchorage in the Summer?
Both Anchorage and Saint Thomas during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the summer, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Anchorage in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the autumn, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Thomas in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Anchorage in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Anchorage. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. In January, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 26°C (78°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Anchorage in the Spring?
Both Anchorage and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Saint Thomas is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.