Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or San Juan del Sur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Juan del Sur or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Juan del Sur and Saint Thomas. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: San Juan del Sur or Saint Thomas?
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
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 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan del Sur $53Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan del Sur is $53, 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 Juan del Sur and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan del Sur $21Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan del Sur $42Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in San Juan del Sur and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan del Sur $18Saint Thomas $37
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 Juan del Sur or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur $18Saint 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan del Sur $15Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
- atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
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 Juan del Sur $13Saint 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 Juan del Sur and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Juan del Sur Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan del Sur or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and San Juan del Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. San Juan del Sur gets 144 mm (5.7 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. In the summer, San Juan del Sur often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. San Juan del Sur gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
In July, San Juan del Sur is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan del Sur and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Juan del Sur usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. San Juan del Sur gets 197 mm (7.8 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 Juan del Sur usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. San Juan del Sur gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to San Juan del Sur as well as Saint Thomas. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. San Juan del Sur gets 4 mm (0.2 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. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In the winter, San Juan del Sur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. San Juan del Sur gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan del Sur in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and San Juan del Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. San Juan del Sur gets 6 mm (0.2 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 Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. San Juan del Sur gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Juan del Sur is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 29°C (84°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and San Juan del Sur
| San Juan del Sur | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.