Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Tulum?
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 Tulum 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 Tulum 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: Tulum or Saint Thomas?
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Tulum Prices
Mexico PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $133Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $133, 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 Tulum and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $54Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $108Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Tulum 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: Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $25Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Luxury SUV Private Transfer from Riviera Maya to Cancun Airport: $261
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $261
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $250
- Luxury Tulum Transfer from Tulum Airport: $220
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Tulum Hotels to Merida Rejon Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $215
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $206
- Private Luxury SUV Transfers from Tulum Airport : $195
- Tulum Archaeological Zone: Cenote, Lunch & Transfer: $191
- Tulum to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $190
- One Way Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun Int Airport: $170
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:
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $135
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $144
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Tulum 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 dayTulum $54Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$2.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Salsa Class with Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner in Tulum: $83
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
- Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
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.Tulum $29Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Chichen Itza & Cenote Chichikan Bus Tour Experience from Tulum: $71
- Full Day Tour from Tulum to Rio Lagartos: $229
- Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
- Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Guided Tour: $220
- Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
- 2 Cenotes Private Tour – VIP Adventure with Expert Guide: $154
- 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
- 3 in 1 Experience in Tulum: $111
- 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $94
- 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
- ATV Adventure and Horseback Ride with Ziplines, Cenote from Tulum: $82
- ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $23Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum 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 Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Saint Thomas?
Tulum 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 Tulum or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Tulum is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In January, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Saint Thomas. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Tulum
| Tulum | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.