Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or San Ignacio?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Ignacio 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 Ignacio 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 Ignacio or Saint Thomas?
San Ignacio
So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.
You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.
This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!
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 Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Ignacio $72Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in San Ignacio is $72, 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 Ignacio and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Ignacio $19Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Ignacio $38Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in San Ignacio and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in San Ignacio 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Ignacio Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Ignacio $3.11Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:
- From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
- San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20
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:
- 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 San Ignacio or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and San Ignacio 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 daySan Ignacio $21Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.
- Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate experience: $150
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Ignacio $100Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in San Ignacio
Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $125
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $125
- Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120
- Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
- Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $125
- Cave Canoeing with Local Tour Guide: $80
- Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
- Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San Ignacio: $144
- Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
- Deluxe Cave Tubing combo Adventure: $125
- Farm Ride plus Xunantunich tour: $90
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Ignacio $17Saint 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 San Ignacio and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is San Ignacio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Ignacio is in Central 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 San Ignacio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Ignacio 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 Ignacio.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Ignacio Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Ignacio or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of San Ignacio 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 Ignacio or Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit San Ignacio or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and San Ignacio during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. San Ignacio gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 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 Ignacio. In the summer, San Ignacio often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. San Ignacio gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
In July, San Ignacio is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Ignacio 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit San Ignacio or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Ignacio and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. San Ignacio gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. San Ignacio usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. San Ignacio gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Ignacio is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Ignacio averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Ignacio 26°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Ignacio or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to San Ignacio as well as Saint Thomas. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
San Ignacio receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Ignacio usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. San Ignacio gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, San Ignacio often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. San Ignacio gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, San Ignacio is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Ignacio in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Ignacio 24°C (74°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit San Ignacio or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and San Ignacio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, San Ignacio usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. San Ignacio gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during spring. San Ignacio gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Ignacio is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 27°C (80°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Ignacio 27°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and San Ignacio
| San Ignacio | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.