Which place is cheaper, Monterey or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Monterey?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Monterey? 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 Monterey?
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.
Monterey
When it comes to California, Monterey may not be mentioned half as much as you hear about Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it is a beautiful city to visit, with a diverse expanse of exciting and relaxing things to do, whether you're looking for adventure, a quiet getaway, or romance.
Located on California's central coast, the city of Monterey was the first State Capital of California. It was also home to many artists, athletes, and musicians, such as John Steinbeck, Clint Eastwood, and Ron Johnson.
Monterey has mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Cold season runs from December to April and warm season, from July until October. The peak travel seasons are during summer, from July to September. If you want to avoid crowds, the months of April and October are ideal times to visit for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
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 $218Monterey $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $218, while the average daily cost in Monterey is $170. 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 Monterey in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Monterey $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Monterey $180
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Monterey
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Monterey? 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: Monterey Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Monterey $32
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 Monterey?
Prices for flights to both Monterey 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 $54Monterey $56
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 Monterey
For Monterey, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Monterey $27
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 Monterey
For Monterey, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Big Sur: Sightseeing Tour with 4 to 5 Stops: $125
- California: Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $40
- From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour: $114
- Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise: $95
- Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour: $70
- Monterey Cannery Row: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey County Salinas Valley Farm Tour: $120
- Monterey Fisherman's Wharf & Presidio Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $49
- Monterey Peninsula Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour along the 17 Mile Drive: $115
- 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour: $79
- 17-Mile Drive Pebble Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Monterey $21
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 Monterey
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Monterey:
- Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Monterey, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Monterey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Monterey 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 Monterey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Monterey 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 Monterey.
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 Monterey Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Monterey?
Monterey has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Monterey, 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 Monterey?
Monterey 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 Monterey in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Monterey. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 29°C (83°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Monterey. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Monterey 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Monterey in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Monterey. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Monterey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Monterey fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Monterey 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Monterey in the Winter?
Both Monterey 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 Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Thomas in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Monterey averages at about 51°F (11°C).
In January, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Monterey. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Monterey 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Monterey in the Spring?
Both Monterey 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 Monterey in the spring for the beaches.
In April, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 27°C (80°F), and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Monterey 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Monterey and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Monterey | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 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.