Which place is cheaper, Big Island of Hawaii or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Big Island of Hawaii?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Big Island of Hawaii? 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 Big Island of Hawaii?
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.
Big Island of Hawaii
What comes to mind when someone says, "Hawaii"? Probably sandy beaches, coconut drinks and lazy days of tanning. It's a dream destination for those who want to get away, but the island of Hawai'i, or the Big Island as it's most commonly called, has so much more to offer than a place to catch up on your latest novel.
At 93 miles across, and a population of 185 thousand, the Big Island was once a large exporter of sugarcane. After its final plantation closed in 1996, tourism became the backbone of Hawai'i Island's economy. More recently, the Big Island has become the focus for sustainable tourism – visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on your destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $218Big Island of Hawaii $250
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $218, while the average daily cost in Big Island of Hawaii is $250. 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 Big Island of Hawaii in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Big Island of Hawaii $112
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Big Island of Hawaii $224
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Big Island of Hawaii
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Big Island of Hawaii? 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: Big Island of Hawaii Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Big Island of Hawaii $38
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:
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Big Island of Hawaii?
Prices for flights to both Big Island of Hawaii 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 $54Big Island of Hawaii $106
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 Thomas $60Big Island of Hawaii $35
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $159
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
- 2-Day Adventure Tour of St Thomas and St John: $199
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $79
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Big Island of Hawaii $32
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 Thomas and Big Island of Hawaii, we can see that Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint Thomas or Big Island of Hawaii?
Big Island of Hawaii 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 Big Island of Hawaii in the Summer?
Both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Big Island of Hawaii in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during summer. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Big Island of Hawaii. In July, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Big Island of Hawaii in the Autumn?
Both Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Thomas during the autumn 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 Big Island of Hawaii for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Thomas in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Big Island of Hawaii averages at about 76°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 138 hours of full sun.
Big Island of Hawaii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in October than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Big Island of Hawaii 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Big Island of Hawaii in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Big Island of Hawaii. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Big Island of Hawaii because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Saint Thomas is generally a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 26°C (78°F), and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii during winter. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
Big Island of Hawaii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Big Island of Hawaii 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Big Island of Hawaii in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Big Island of Hawaii this time of year.
Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Big Island of Hawaii in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Big Island of Hawaii fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 134 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Thomas usually gets less rain in April than Big Island of Hawaii. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Big Island of Hawaii receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Big Island of Hawaii 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Big Island of Hawaii and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Big Island of Hawaii | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.