Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesOttawa Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Ottawa $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $134. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Ottawa? 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: Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Ottawa $7.21
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 - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $82
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $135
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $216
- Ottawa Airport YOW Private Transfer to Ottawa/University/Chelsea: $42
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $94Ottawa $29
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:
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $145
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ottawa Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $76
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $77
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $104
- Guided ByWard Market Food Tour: $106
- A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $108
- Taste of Canada Food Tour with Guide: $112
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort : $130
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $58
- A Romantic Walking Tour Through Ottawa: $351
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $8.99
- Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River: $159
- Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $18
- Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum: $23
- Exceptional Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $458
- Experience Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour: $73
- Experience Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $234
- Family Walking Tour in Special Highlights: $351
- From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $286
- Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau: $132
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Chelsea: Guided tour of the Square Distillery: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Ottawa, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Ottawa 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 Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.
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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
Ottawa 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 Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Ottawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.
In July, Saint Thomas is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 29°C (83°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Thomas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Saint Thomas gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Ottawa. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Ottawa for the shopping scene.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
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 Ottawa. Saint Thomas gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa 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 Ottawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Thomas in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Saint Thomas gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa 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 April, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 27°C (80°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Saint Thomas often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Saint Thomas gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
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.