Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or San Fernando?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit San Fernando or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando 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: San Fernando or Saint Thomas?
San Fernando
As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Fernando $153Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $153, 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 San Fernando and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Fernando $74Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Fernando $148Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in San Fernando 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.
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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Fernando $50Saint 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:
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- 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
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and San Fernando 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 daySan Fernando $48Saint 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:
- Pizza Pi Shuttle™ (Official) - St Thomas : $95
- 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
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $165
- Pizza Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $169
- 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.San Fernando $28Saint Thomas $60
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
- 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
- Afternoon Snorkeling Adventure in St Thomas: $120
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure: $89
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Fernando $22Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Fernando and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is San Fernando much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Fernando would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Fernando 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 San Fernando.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Fernando Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Fernando or Saint Thomas?
San Fernando has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando 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 San Fernando or Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit San Fernando or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in San Fernando. In July, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. San Fernando gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, San Fernando is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Fernando 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit San Fernando or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and San Fernando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Fernando. In the autumn, San Fernando often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. San Fernando gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
San Fernando is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Fernando 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Fernando or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during winter. San Fernando gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, San Fernando is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Fernando in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Fernando 26°C (78°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit San Fernando or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Saint Thomas. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
San Fernando usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Fernando this time of the year. In the spring, San Fernando often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
In April, San Fernando is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Fernando 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and San Fernando
| San Fernando | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 252 mm (9.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 225 mm (8.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 203 mm (8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.