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

Should you visit Tartu 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 Tartu 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: Tartu or Saint Thomas?

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, and The Best Budget Tours to Estonia.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Tartu?

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

  • Tartu Prices
    Estonia Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tartu $155
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is $155, 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 Tartu and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu $55
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu $110
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Tartu 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 Tartu


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: Tartu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu $32
    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:

  • Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
  • Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
  • Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
  • Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
  • ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
  • Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
  • Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Tartu 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
    Tartu $76
    Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    $0.89
  • Lunch for Two
    $5.78
  • Ice Cream
    $1.49
  • Cookies
    $0.59
  • Coffee & Cake
    $4.07

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:

  • Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
  • St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $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
  • Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
  • St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
  • Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
  • Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu $19
    Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    $1.12
  • Movie Ticket
    $4.07

Tours and Activities in Tartu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $30
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $260
  • Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.

  • Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
  • Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
  • Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
  • Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
  • 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
  • Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
  • Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
  • Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu $18
    Saint Thomas $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tartu and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Tartu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tartu is in Europe 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 Tartu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tartu 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 Tartu.

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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Saint Thomas?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu or Saint Thomas?

Tartu 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 Tartu or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tartu for 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, Tartu is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tartu. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

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

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Tartu gets 86 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. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

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

Tartu can be very cold during winter. Tartu is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tartu usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

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

The weather in Tartu can be very cold. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Tartu

Tartu Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)