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

Should you visit Temuco 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 Temuco 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: Temuco or Saint Thomas?

Temuco

Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Chile, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Temuco?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Temuco is $80, 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 Temuco and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Temuco $44
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Temuco $88
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Temuco and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Temuco 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 Temuco


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: Temuco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Temuco $23
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Temuco

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

  • Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucon: $140
  • Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Thermal Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Transfer Araucanía Airport - Temuco: $50
  • Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Transfers from or to Temuco - Araucanía Airport: $35

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
  • Private Ground Transfers: $120
  • 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 Temuco or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Temuco 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
    Temuco $22
    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
  • St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $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.
    Temuco $7.85
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Temuco

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

  • Tour Mapuche Community Araucanía: $582

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
  • 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
  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
  • Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
  • Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
  • Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Temuco $5.13
    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 Temuco and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Temuco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Temuco is in South 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 Temuco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Temuco 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 Temuco.

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


Which is Bigger, Temuco or Saint Thomas?

Temuco has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Temuco 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 Temuco or Saint Thomas?

Temuco 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 Temuco or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Temuco are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Temuco is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Temuco in January average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Temuco. Temuco usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Temuco gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Temuco usually receives less rain than Saint Thomasin July. Temuco gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Temuco or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

Both Saint Thomas and Temuco during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In April, Temuco is generally much colder than Saint Thomasin October. Daily temperatures in Temuco average around 12°C (53°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, Temuco often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin October. Temuco gets 150 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. Temuco usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomasin October. Temuco gets 80 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 April and October
    Temuco 12°C (53°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Temuco or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Temuco and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Temuco is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Temuco averages around 8°C (46°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Temuco usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Temuco gets 78 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

Temuco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Temuco usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin January. Temuco gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Temuco 8°C (46°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Temuco or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Temuco as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Temuco often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin April. Temuco gets 193 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.

Temuco usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomasin April. Temuco gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Temuco 12°C (54°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Temuco

Temuco Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (62°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 9°C (47°F) 177 mm (7 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 8°C (46°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 10°C (50°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)