Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Milwaukee?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Milwaukee? 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 Milwaukee?
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.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Lake Michigan's western shore. It's known for its breweries, many of which offer tours chronicling its role in the beer industry. Overlooking the Menomonee River, the Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one of Elvis Presley's. Nearby is the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its large-scale European Village and a recreation of old Milwaukee. In summertime, festivals let loose by the lake almost every weekend. These attractions along with stylish eating and shopping areas have turned Wisconsin's largest city into an interesting and attractive destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $218Milwaukee $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $218, while the average daily cost in Milwaukee is $176. 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 Milwaukee in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Milwaukee $99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Milwaukee
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Milwaukee? 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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Milwaukee $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 -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
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Milwaukee?
Prices for flights to both Milwaukee 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 $54Milwaukee $52
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee
For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Family Fun Food Tour: $80
- Local Food Tour: $97
- Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Milwaukee $26
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
Tours and Activities in Milwaukee
For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Sailing Adventure in Lake Michigan (up to 6 people): $126
- 2 Hours Private Tour of Milwaukee Marvels: $248
- 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
- Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $24
- Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour: $53
- Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $67
- Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
- Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
- Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $12
- Milwaukee Magic: A Private Christmas Lights Tour: $650
- Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $483
- Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Milwaukee $33
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 Milwaukee
Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Milwaukee, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Milwaukee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee?
Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Milwaukee. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Thomas in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milwaukee this time of the year. In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during summer. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Milwaukee in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Milwaukee. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.
In October, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 28°C (82°F), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Milwaukee in the Winter?
Both Milwaukee 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.
It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. Saint Thomas is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Milwaukee during winter. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Thomas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Milwaukee in the Spring?
Both Milwaukee 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.
In the spring, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Thomas in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).
In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milwaukee. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)
Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Milwaukee | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°F (-4°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.7 inches (44 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.