Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Santorini or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini 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: Santorini or Saint Thomas?
Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
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 Luxury Tours to Greece, and The Best Budget Tours to Greece.
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Santorini Prices
Greece PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini $286Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is $286, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Santorini and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini $134Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini $268Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini $40Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $5,960
- Santorini - Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $200
- Luxury Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open bar & Transfer: $165
- Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drink and Transfer: $153
- Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar, Transfer: $141
- Luxury Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Lunch, BBQ, Drinks, Transfers: $135
- Santorini Private transfer up to 8 persons: $129
- Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $129
- Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Port To All Destinations: $118
- Private Transfers from/to Santorini Port (Athinios) to/from Oia: $106
- Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfers: $106
- Sailing Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $93
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:
- St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $216
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $200
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $189
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $180
- Luxury Airport Transfer to or from St Thomas The Ritz Carlton: $175
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $174
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian: $174
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove: $174
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- St Thomas Airport Private Transfers to Bouy haus: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Santorini 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 daySantorini $109Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Food Tour Experience in Santorini: $94
- Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $94
- Santorini Family Farm Food & Wine Tour with Cooking Class: $100
- Santorini Cooking Lesson with Chef and a Bottle of Wine: $106
- Award-Winning Santorini Cooking Class with Greek Chef: $127
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $129
- Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $129
- Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $129
- Luxury Santorini Sunset Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $141
- Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner with Pick-up Option: $141
- Santorini : Night Hike, Wine Tasting and Dinner: $164
- Small Group Cooking Lesson & Wine Tasting at Award-Winning Winery: $165
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:
- St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar - Ritz-Carlton: $129
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini $40Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- (5h) Santorini Discovery Private Tour–Oia, Villages & Black Beach: $76
- *AVOID CABLECAR*Santorini's PrivateLuxuryTours-6Hours-Local Guide: $235
- 2-hour Private Wooden E-Bike Tour in Emporio Castle, Santorini: $82
- 4 Hours Private Sightseeing Tour in Santorini: $153
- 4 hrs PRIVATE island tour and photos, Oia and Blue domes: $159
- 5 Hour Majestic Santorini Tour Designed for Cruise Passengers: $65
- 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $81
- 5 Hour Tour - Skip Sky Tram Direct Port Pickup: $67
- 5-hour My Santorini Private Guided Tour: $188
- 6hr PRIVATE Santorini Tour, All Must-see Places plus photos: $265
- A Journey to the Tradition of Santorini SUV Private Tour: $240
- ATV Heart of Santorini Tour: $180
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- #1 St. Thomas Ghost Tour – Virgin Island's Original Haunted Tour: $41
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $130
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini $28Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Art and Wine Tour in a Historic Santorini Winery: $41
- Santorini Ftelos Brewery Guided Tour and Beer Tasting Experience: $41
- Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $52
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $65
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini: $91
- Santorini Wine & Village Experience–Megalochori &Wine Tasting(4h): $94
- Caldera Views, Cliffside Villages, and Santorinian Wine Tasting: $100
- Santorini Private Wine Tour with Local Wineries & Tastings: $100
- Premium Wine Tasting with Caldera Views: $105
- Guided ATV Tour with Wine Tasting: $106
- Santorini Wine Tour with sunset in Oia: $129
- Santorini Wine Tasting & Premium Lunch at Award-Winning Winery: $130
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148
When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Saint Thomas, we can see that Santorini 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. Even though Santorini is in Europe and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Saint Thomas?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.
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.