Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Vientiane?
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 Vientiane or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Saint Thomas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Vientiane or Saint Thomas?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 Bicycle Tours in Laos, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, 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 Vientiane and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
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 Vientiane or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $12Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
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.Vientiane $3.80Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
- 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
- 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
- From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
- From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $443
- From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
- Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $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 dayVientiane $2.12Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane is in Asia 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Saint Thomas?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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 Vientiane or Saint Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Vientiane or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Saint Thomas. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Vientiane during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is a little warmer than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.