A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenandoah National Park vs. Saint Thomas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint Thomas?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Saint Thomas can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Shenandoah National Park or Saint Thomas?

Shenandoah National Park

One of the most visited destinations in the eastern part of the United States, Shenandoah National Park attracts over a million people each year for its beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant colors in the autumn months. Established in 1935, it is the largest fully protected area in the mid-Appalachian region.

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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Shenandoah National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenandoah National Park is $125, 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 Shenandoah National Park and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenandoah National Park $53
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenandoah National Park $106
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Shenandoah National Park and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Shenandoah National Park 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.

Hotels in Shenandoah National Park


Hotels in Saint Thomas


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $70
    Saint Thomas $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $65
  • 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 Shenandoah National Park or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Shenandoah National Park 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shenandoah National Park $28
    Saint 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
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenandoah National Park $34
    Saint Thomas $60

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenandoah National Park $7.14
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenandoah National Park and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenandoah National Park is in North 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 Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenandoah National Park Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint Thomas?

Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Shenandoah National Park is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).

In July, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

Both Saint Thomas and Shenandoah National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In October, Shenandoah National Park is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 56°F (13°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shenandoah National Park usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. Shenandoah National Park is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 32°F (-0°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In January, Shenandoah National Park usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Saint Thomas. The spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

In the spring, Shenandoah National Park is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (-0°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 35°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 63°F (17°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)