Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or San Juan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Juan or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Saint Thomas? 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: San Juan or Saint Thomas?
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $192Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $192, 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 and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in San Juan 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 Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $269
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $269
- Private Taxi Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce : $170
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Private Taxi Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Dorado PR: $110
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
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:
- 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 Juan or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and San Juan 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 $36Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- El Yunque Rainforest Tour with Transport: $104
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Airport transportation to cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $69
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayak Experience: $225
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Ceiba, Puerto Rico: Guided Waterfall Experience with Transport: $87
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When comparing the travel costs between San Juan and Saint Thomas, 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Juan Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Saint Thomas?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of San Juan 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 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 Juan or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, San Juan usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 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 Juan. San Juan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Juan is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit San Juan or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and San Juan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan 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 Juan. San Juan usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 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 Juan. In the autumn, San Juan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, San Juan is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Juan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Juan or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, San Juan usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 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 Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during winter. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Juan is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit San Juan or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Saint Thomas. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
San Juan usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 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 Juan this time of the year. In the spring, San Juan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
San Juan is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and San Juan
| San Juan | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.