A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salto vs. Saint Thomas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salto or Saint Thomas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or Saint Thomas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Salto or Saint Thomas?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, and The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Salto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $71, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $218. 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 Salto and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $30
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $60
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Salto and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Salto or Saint Thomas? 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.

Hotels in Salto


Hotels in Saint Thomas


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: Salto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $22
    Saint Thomas $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $65
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas

Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Charlotte Amalie to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $49
  • Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Cyril E.King Airport (STT) to St.Thomas-Arrival Private Transfer : $109
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
  • Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
  • Private Ground Transfers: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Salto 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Salto $25
    Saint Thomas $54

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
  • St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $18
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.

  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
  • 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
  • Vi Top Taxi & Tours USVI-Scenic Island Tour ,St. Thomas: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $13
    Saint Thomas $27

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Salto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salto is in South America and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Salto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salto 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 Salto.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salto Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salto or Saint Thomas?

Salto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Salto and Saint Thomas, 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 Salto or Saint Thomas?

Salto 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 Salto or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Salto during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In the summer, Salto is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salto in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salto. In the summer, Salto often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin July. Salto gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomasin July. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salto 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Salto or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salto and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Salto is generally much colder than Saint Thomasin October. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 19°C (65°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Salto usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Salto gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Salto usually receives less rain than Saint Thomasin October. Salto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salto 19°C (65°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Salto or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Salto as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

Salto is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Salto often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin January. Salto gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.

Salto usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomasin January. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salto 12°C (54°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Salto or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

Both Saint Thomas and Salto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Salto is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Salto gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Salto. In October, Salto usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin April. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salto 18°C (64°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Salto

Salto Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 20°C (69°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)