Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Ushuaia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ushuaia or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ushuaia or Saint Thomas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Ushuaia or Saint Thomas?
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
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 Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUshuaia $11Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Ushuaia is $11, 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 Ushuaia and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUshuaia $5.64Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUshuaia $11Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Ushuaia and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Ushuaia 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: Ushuaia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ushuaia -Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer in Ushuaia: $139
- Private Embarkation Debarkation Transfer: $129
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $120
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $97
- Transfer from/to the airport: $89
- Ushuaia Airport (USH) to Ushuaia - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer Airport-Port or Port-Airport (Ushuaia): $55
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia city - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $46
- Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $37
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $35
- Ushuaia to Ushuaia Airport (USH) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $28
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:
- 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 Ushuaia or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Ushuaia 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 dayUshuaia $2.18Saint Thomas $54
Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
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Lunch for Two$0.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Martial Glacier at Night with Dinner Included: $94
- Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $280
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ushuaia $13Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 2-day tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Fagnano and Escondido Lakes: $115
- 2-day tour:Tierra del Fuego NP + Beagle Channel Navigation + Fagnano & Escondido: $190
- 3-Hour Navigation Tour in the Beagle Channel with Isla de Lobos: $75
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $122
- 4-Hour National Park - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $75
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $156
- 5-Hour Nat Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $195
- 5.5-Hour National park w/ hiking Shore excursion - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $280
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $95
- 7-Hour Lakes Escondido & Fagnano - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $105
- Adventure 360º in Quads with Lunch: $160
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUshuaia -Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Wine$0.05
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Beer$0.01
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 Ushuaia and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ushuaia Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ushuaia or Saint Thomas?
Ushuaia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia or Saint Thomas?
Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Ushuaia 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.
Ushuaia is much colder than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Ushuaia averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Ushuaia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than Saint Thomasin July. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 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 January and JulyUshuaia 10°C (50°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Ushuaia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the autumn, Ushuaia is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ushuaia in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin October. Ushuaia gets 74 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. Ushuaia usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomasin October. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 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 April and OctoberUshuaia 6°C (43°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ushuaia and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ushuaia. In July, Ushuaia is generally much colder than Saint Thomasin January. Daily temperatures in Ushuaia average around 2°C (36°F), 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. Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Ushuaia gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than Saint Thomasin January. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 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 July and JanuaryUshuaia 2°C (36°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ushuaia as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Ushuaia is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Ushuaia averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the spring, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin April. Ushuaia gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Ushuaia usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomasin April. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 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 October and AprilUshuaia 6°C (43°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Ushuaia
| Ushuaia | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.