Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or West Palm Beach?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit West Palm Beach or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit West Palm Beach 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: West Palm Beach or Saint Thomas?
West Palm Beach
One of Florida's most dynamic cities, West Palm Beach encapsulates the best of a metropolitan city all while nestled in the warm serenity of a tropical paradise. Located in southern Florida, about an hour's drive north of Miami, West Palm Beach holds a population of 99,919 and is one of the three main cities in South Florida. This city is known for its unique culture, world-class dining, and extensive shopping districts. From young to old, everyone can find their own niche in such a pleasant, diverse city. No matter what time of the year it may be, you can be assured that it is gorgeously sunny in West Palm Beach!
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 United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWest Palm Beach $330Saint Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $330, 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 West Palm Beach and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWest Palm Beach $234Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWest Palm Beach $468Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach 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: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.West Palm Beach $49Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach
Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $109
- Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Business Car: $94
- Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
- Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port - Arrival Transfer: $41
- Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $41
- Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
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
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- 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 West Palm Beach or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and West Palm Beach 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 dayWest Palm Beach $66Saint Thomas $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach
For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
- Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
- Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
- Downtown Food Tour: $85
- Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
- Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
- Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
- Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101
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
- PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $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.West Palm Beach $19Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.
- 2-Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster Park, Blue Heron Bridge: $60
- 3 Hour Cruise & Swimming Excursion off Peanut Island Park: $77
- Beginner Scuba Diving Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $99
- Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
- Blue Heron Bridge Guided Snorkel Tour : $90
- Blue Heron Bridge Half Day Reef Snorkeling Adventure With Lunch: $56
- Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
- Christmas Light Cruise from Jupiter: $75
- Clear Kayak Eco Tour in Jupiter, Florida: $75
- Clear Kayak Tour in Jupiter: $79
- Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
- Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
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
- 2-Day Adventure Tour of St Thomas and St John: $199
- 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
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWest Palm Beach $39Saint 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 West Palm Beach and Saint Thomas, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Saint Thomas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since West Palm Beach 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 Saint Thomas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Thomas 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in Saint Thomas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Saint Thomas?
West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Saint Thomas?
West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) 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 JulyWest Palm Beach 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit West Palm Beach or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the autumn, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. West Palm Beach gets 275 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 West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWest Palm Beach 78°F (25°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit West Palm Beach or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, West Palm Beach is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), 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. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) 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 JanuaryWest Palm Beach 65°F (19°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit West Palm Beach or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
West Palm Beach is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWest Palm Beach 74°F (23°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and West Palm Beach
| West Palm Beach | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 65°F (19°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 66°F (19°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 74°F (23°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 78°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 8.1 inches (207 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 inches (166 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (176 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 9.8 inches (250 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 78°F (25°C) | 8.7 inches (222 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 72°F (22°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 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.