Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Sarasota?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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: Sarasota or Saint Thomas?
Sarasota
Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarasota $249Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $249, 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 Sarasota and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarasota $108Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarasota $216Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Sarasota 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: Sarasota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarasota -Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota
Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96
- Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
- Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
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 Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Sarasota or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Sarasota 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 daySarasota $137Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota
For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
- Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
- Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
- Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $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:
- 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
- PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $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.Sarasota $11Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Sarasota
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.
- Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota: $75
- Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
- 2 Hour Guided Stand Up Paddle Board Tour along Upper Manatee River: $65
- 2 Hour Jet ski Rental Fast And Fun Adventure Florida Thrill : $240
- 2 Hour Sunset Cabaret Tour in Sarasota: $68
- 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
- 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195
- 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Anna Maria Island, FL: $75
- Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
- Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $68
- Anna Maria Island Paddleboard Tours: $65
- Bradenton: Guided Pedal Kayak Tour: $999
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
- 2-Day Adventure Tour of St Thomas and St John: $199
- 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
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $79
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySarasota -Saint 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 comparing the travel costs between Sarasota and Saint Thomas, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota is in North America 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 Sarasota Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Saint Thomas?
Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Saint Thomas?
Sarasota has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sarasota or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySarasota 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Sarasota or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Sarasota is cooler than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSarasota 76°F (24°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sarasota or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Sarasota is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarasota in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySarasota 59°F (15°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Sarasota or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In April, Sarasota is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 73°F (23°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSarasota 73°F (23°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Sarasota
| Sarasota | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 67°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 78°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 69°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 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.