Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Tromso?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tromso 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 Tromso 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: Tromso or Saint Thomas?
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
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Tromso Prices
Norway PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTromso $83Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Tromso is $83, 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 Tromso and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTromso $32Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTromso $64Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Tromso and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Tromso 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: Tromso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tromso $11Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tromso Cable Car Arctic Panorama Transfer: $123
- Private Transfer Tromso Airport and City Vice Versa: $93
- Tromsø Private Airport-Hotel Transfer Service up to 13 guests: $45
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:
- 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 Tromso or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Tromso 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 dayTromso $43Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $185
- Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $201
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $205
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tromso $6.59Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $92
- Arctic fjord and Landscape Tour: $139
- 4 Hour Aurora Tour Photos Snacks and Warm Drinks Included: $98
- 7 hours Tromsø Aurora Tour: Photos, snacks & warm drinks included: $98
- Adventure Snowmobile Safari: $257
- All-Inclusive Arctic Fjords and Sommarøy Scenic Tour: $212
- Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran : $150
- Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus: $139
- Arctic Wildlife and Fjord Sightseeing: $232
- Aurora Adventure Tour with Creative Vacations: $268
- Aurora Cuisine Cruise: $195
- Aurora Magic Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer: $176
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTromso $5.47Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tromso and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tromso 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 Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 Tromso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tromso Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tromso or Saint Thomas?
Tromso has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Tromso 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 Tromso or Saint Thomas?
Tromso 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 Tromso or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, 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, Tromso is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tromso in July average around 12°C (54°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 Tromso. Tromso usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Tromso gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Tromso usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 in) 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 JulyTromso 12°C (54°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tromso or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Tromso during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Tromso is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 3°C (37°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, Tromso often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Tromso gets 49 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. Tromso usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTromso 3°C (37°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tromso or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tromso can be very cold during winter. Tromso is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around -4°C (25°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. Tromso usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Tromso gets 3 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tromso usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 in) 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 JanuaryTromso -4°C (25°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Tromso or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Saint Thomas. The spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In the spring, Tromso is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tromso in April average around 1°C (33°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, Tromso often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Tromso gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Tromso usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTromso 1°C (33°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Tromso
| Tromso | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 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.