Which place is cheaper, Los Angeles or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Los Angeles?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles?
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.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $218Los Angeles $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $218, while the average daily cost in Los Angeles is $258. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Los Angeles $140
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Los Angeles $280
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Los Angeles
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Los Angeles? 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: Los Angeles Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Los Angeles $42
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 Los Angeles
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:
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Hotel Parking for a Day$22
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Taxi to Airport$55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles
Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- LA: City Highlights Private Guided Tour with Transfer: $999
- Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $999
- Private Transfers between LAX Airport and Los Angeles: $514
- Los Angeles Airport (LAX): Private Transfer to Los Angeles: $384
- Private Transfer from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Buena Park: $298
- Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Airport LAX in Luxury Car: $272
- Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Ontario Airport ONT in Luxury Van: $272
- San Diego Private Transfer To or From Universal Studios/Burbank.: $248
- One-Way Private Transfers From/To Los Angeles Airport: $245
- Los Angeles/Hollywood Private Transfer to or from San Diego.: $229
- Private Transfer from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Santa Monica: $227
- Airport Transfer: $220
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Los Angeles?
Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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 $54Los Angeles $60
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 Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Mexican Dinner (family of 4)$32
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Burritos for Two$15
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Coffee and Danish$7.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Venice Beach Food Tour with Tastings: $75
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $88
- Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $89
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
- West Hollywood Food Tour: $89
- Downtown Food Tour: $89
- Venice Beach Food Tour: $89
- LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Original Downtown Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste: $110
- Night Cruise in Marina del Rey with Dinner: $124
- Vegan African Dinner Party in Playa Del Ray: $132
- Marina Del Rey: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $136
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Los Angeles $82
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 Los Angeles
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)$37
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Bowling$13
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Hollywood Tour for Two$30
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Six Flags for 2$96
Tours and Activities in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Private Ferrari Driving Tour: Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $289
- 2 Hour Griffith Park Observatory Tour: $20
- 2 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes: $175
- 2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour: $45
- 2-Hours Guided Black and Brown Hollywood Tour: $77
- 2.5 Hour Fright Sights Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
- 2.5 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
- 2.5-hour Hollywood Chills Tour - Celebrity Scandals and Cemeteries : $219
- 20 Min Ferrari driving tour in Hollywood: $99
- 20 Min Lamborghini driving tour in Hollywood: $139
- 3 Hours Private Photoshoot and Self-Guided Tour in Los Angeles: $287
- 3-Hour Small Group Tour: Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Los Angeles $15
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 Los Angeles
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:
- LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Salsa Lesson, Burlesque and Mojitos : $149
- Salsa Lesson and Burlesque Show: $149
- Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195
- Wine Tour at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter: $4,299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?
Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Los Angeles. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saint Thomas is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 29°C (83°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Los Angeles 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Los Angeles in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Los Angeles. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Los Angeles. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Los Angeles 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Los Angeles in the Winter?
Both Los Angeles 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 travelers come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Thomas in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).
In January, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Los Angeles 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Los Angeles in the Spring?
Both Los Angeles 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, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 27°C (80°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Los Angeles 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Los Angeles | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (66 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.