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

Should you visit Split 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 Split 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: Split or Saint Thomas?

Split

Split is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Split?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Split Prices
    Croatia Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Split $227
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Split is $227, 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 Split and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Split $98
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Split $196
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Split and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Split 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 Split


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Split Hotel Prices and Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Split $27
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Zagreb to Split transfer with Plitvice lakes & Wine: $1,004
  • Split Airport: Speedboat Taxi transfer to/from Hvar: $700
  • Airport to Hvar Town Speedboat Transfer: $700
  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $572
  • Zagreb to Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $554
  • Split/Trogir to Zagreb: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $554
  • Private Boat Transfer to Hvar Island: $548
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Dubrovnik: $491
  • Private Transfer to Krka with Driver & Optional Guide: $466
  • Private transfer from Split or Trogir to Dubrovnik: $443
  • Transfer Split to Dubrovnik with Sightseeing in Ston Town: $299
  • Private transfer from Split / Split airport to Zadar / Zadar airport: $295

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 -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
  • Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
  • Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $81
  • St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $216
  • St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • St Thomas Airport Private Transfers to Bouy haus: $135
  • Secret Harbour Beach Transfer from CruiseShip-Snorkeling Optional: $52
  • ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $200
  • Private transfer to Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal: $55
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175

Is it cheaper to fly into Split or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Split 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
    Split $108
    Saint Thomas $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Omiš: Sunset Boat Trip to Pučišća Brač island with Dinner: $59
  • Split’s Ultimate Walking Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks: $67
  • Small Group Food Tour with Private Option: $104
  • Split Food Tour Local Dishes and City Stories: $117
  • Split Old Town Authentic Food Tour with 9 Dishes & Local Wines: $128
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite at a Time: $140
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $141
  • Split Cooking Class: $206
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $206
  • Vegan Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Split: $206
  • From farm to table : Cooking class on island Brac: $259

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Split $13
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Not Today" - Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour: $92
  • 2 Hours Split Walking tour with free food tasting: $189
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $135
  • 2-hours Split Segway Tour: $80
  • 3 islands Tour from Split and Brac: $176
  • 3-Hour Via-Ferrata Adventure in Fortica Fortress: $41
  • 4 Hours Blue Lagoon and Island Tour: $94
  • 4 Islands Tour from Split to Zlatni Rat, Hvar & Pakleni Islands: $165
  • 4-Hour Dalmatian Food and Wine flavors Experience in Split Patio: $141
  • 4-Island Split Boat Tour (Brač, Pakleni, Hvar, Šolta): $159
  • 4-in-1 Boat Party Experience Split, Croatia.: $80
  • 6 Island Hopping & Blue Mysteries: Shared Tour from Split: $173

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Split $21
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Split Pub Crawl: Nightlife, Shots & Club Entry: $14
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $32
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Ziggy Star's Nightlife Pub Crawl Experience in Split: $47
  • Wine Tasting at Seafront Tasting Room in Kastela: $50
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $53
  • Dalmatian wine tasting by Bottiglia wine & deli: $53
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $55
  • From Krka Waterfalls day tour & wine tasting: $55
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $55
  • Olive Oil and Wine Tasting with Snacks: $57
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $64

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 Split 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. Even though Split 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 Split Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Split or Saint Thomas?

Split has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Split 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 Split or Saint Thomas?

Split 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 Split or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Split and Saint Thomas. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Split this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Split is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Split average around 26°C (80°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. Split usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Split gets 345 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Split usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Split gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Split 26°C (80°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Split or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Split as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

Split is much colder than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Split averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In the autumn, Split often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Split gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Split usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Split gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Split 18°C (64°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Split or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

Both Saint Thomas and Split are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Split in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Split is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Split in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Split usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Split gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Split usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Split gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Split 8°C (47°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Split or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

Both Saint Thomas and Split during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In April, Split is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Split average around 15°C (59°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Split. In the spring, Split often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Split gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.

Split usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Split gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Split 15°C (59°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Split

Split Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)