Which place is cheaper, Santa Monica or Saint Thomas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Thomas or Santa Monica?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Santa Monica? 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 Santa Monica?
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.
Santa Monica
When it comes to visiting Los Angeles, Santa Monica is high on the must-see-and-do list. Chances are you'll recognize the iconic ferris wheel from Pacific Park in films and TV shows, and nothing beats the relaxed yet bustling vibe of this laid-back city.
Santa Monica is a popular and diverse beach town, cultural hub, fitness venue, shopping district, and neighborhood full of unique and trendy restaurants, all rolled into one. Visited by more than 6 million people a year, it's no wonder you'll always find a crowd there.
So whether you're up for a high-end shopping spree, bicycling down the waterfront, an eclectic food crawl or simply a stroll down the promenade, Santa Monica is sure to have something in store for you.
The weather in Santa Monica is moderate, with average summer highs in the low to mid 70s and winter climate that rests comfortably around the low 50s. Though flip flops and sandals are considered year-round footwear in Los Angeles, bring comfortable walking shoes for browsing galleries, malls, and boutiques. Santa Monica is the perfect place to break out your California-casual wardrobe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $218Santa Monica $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $218, while the average daily cost in Santa Monica is $210. 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 Santa Monica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Santa Monica $123
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Santa Monica $246
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Santa Monica
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Santa Monica? 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: Santa Monica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Santa Monica $50
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:
- Private Transfer from Charlotte Amalie Port to Charlotte Amalie: $28
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
- Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $109
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- 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 Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Monica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santa Monica:
- Santa Monica to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Deparure Private Transfer: $80
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles Airport Departure Private Transfer: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Thomas or Santa Monica?
Prices for flights to both Santa Monica 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 $54Santa Monica $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 Santa Monica
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Monica.
- Flavors of Venice Beach Food Tour: $96
- Los Angeles Premier Dinner Cruise from Marina del Rey: $124
- Marina del Rey Christmas Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $175
- Marina del Rey Father's Day Plated Dinner Cruise: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Thomas $60Santa Monica $38
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Unforgettable Charlotte Amalie: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in the US Virgin Islands: $27
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry : $44
- Cruise Ship Suttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
- Sunset Kayak Tour in the Mangrove Lagoon, St Thomas: $49
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI - St. Thomas, Virgin Islands- Island Scenic Tour: $49
- Saint Thomas Half-Day Shopping and Sightseeing Tour: $55
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
Tours and Activities in Santa Monica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santa Monica are as follows:
- 15 Passengers Open Ocean/Harbor Cruise Party Boat Marina Del Rey: $129
- 2 Hour Sailing Adventure From Marina Del Rey: $160
- 3-Hour Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Guided Tour : $72
- 4.5 Hour Venice Beach Open Air Van Tour: $65
- 5.5-Hour Exclusive Malibu Stars Homes & Beautiful Beach Tour: $80
- All Day Tour 6.5 Hour : $111
- Bring-Your-Own-Food and Drinks Marina del Rey Boat Tour: $80
- City Tour of Los Angeles from Torrance and El Segundo: $122
- Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour: $90
- Dolphins Whales and Sea Lion Wildlife Sightseeing Boat Tour: $90
- Explore Malibu's Coast: PCH & Beyond - Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Karaoke Boat Cruise ( Drinks included) LA's best attraction: $149
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Thomas $27Santa Monica $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 Santa Monica
Also in Santa Monica, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Vintage VW Hippie Tour to Malibu with wine tasting: $195
- Vintage VW Hippie Shared Tour to Malibu with Wine Tasting: $199
- Charcuterie Board and Wine Tasting in Marina Bay: $300
When comparing the travel costs between Saint Thomas and Santa Monica, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Santa Monica is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Santa Monica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Thomas or Santa Monica?
Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Saint Thomas and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica in the Summer?
Both Santa Monica and Saint Thomas during the summer 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, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.
In the summer, Saint Thomas is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Thomas in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Santa Monica 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Santa Monica in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Santa Monica. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.
In October, Saint Thomas is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 28°C (82°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Santa Monica 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Santa Monica in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Santa Monica. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Santa Monica 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Santa Monica in the Spring?
Both Santa Monica and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Thomas in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).
In April, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Santa Monica 61°F (16°C)
Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Santa Monica | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.6 inches (15 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.