Which place is cheaper, Fairbanks or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Fairbanks?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Fairbanks? 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 Fairbanks?
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.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior region of Alaska, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes - north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali - you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring. The residential streets of compact downtown are pretty as a picture, and during winter, this is ground zero for viewing the aurora borealis.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $218Fairbanks $272
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $218, while the average daily cost in Fairbanks is $272. 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 Fairbanks in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Fairbanks $154
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Fairbanks $308
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Fairbanks
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Fairbanks? 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: Fairbanks Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Fairbanks $66
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 -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 the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Charlotte Amalie: $28
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:
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Full Tank of Gas$90
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Fairbanks?
Prices for flights to both Fairbanks 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 $54Fairbanks $63
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 Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing$63
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Totem Inn Breakfast for Two$46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $210
- Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Fairbanks $65
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:
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The Riverboat Discovery Trip$55
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1 Day Mountain Bike Rental$27
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Canoe Rental with Pickup$56
Tours and Activities in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour Snowmobile Tour in Fairbanks Alaska: $215
- 1-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation): $135
- 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $135
- 3-Hour Small Group 9-Hole Self-Guided Fairbanks Golf Experience: $110
- Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks: $140
- Angel Rocks Hike and Chena Hot-Springs Soak Guided Tour: $195
- Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks: $290
- Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure: $229
- Aurora Borealis tour with Free Photography: $180
- Aurora Chaser Tour: $125
- Budget Aurora Borealis tour, Fairbanks, Alaska : $125
- Chasing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Tour with PHOTOGRAPHY: $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Fairbanks $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 Thomas and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Saint Thomas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Fairbanks is in North America, 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 Thomas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Thomas 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Saint Thomas.
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 Fairbanks Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Fairbanks?
Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?
Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Fairbanks. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.
In July, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 29°C (83°F), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Fairbanks 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Fairbanks in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Fairbanks. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Saint Thomas is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Fairbanks 27°F (-3°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Fairbanks in the Winter?
Both Fairbanks and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Thomas in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).
In January, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Fairbanks -9°F (-23°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Fairbanks in the Spring?
Both Fairbanks and Saint Thomas during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.
Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In April, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 27°C (80°F), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Fairbanks 32°F (0°C)
Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Fairbanks | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -9°F (-23°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -2°F (-19°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 32°F (0°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 4°F (-15°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -5°F (-21°C) | 0.9 inches (23 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.