Planning a trip to the US Virgin Islands doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a warm and relaxing destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and this US Virgin Islands trip budget calculator reveals average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to the US Virgin Islands?
A typical traveler spends $282 per day on a trip to the US Virgin Islands. This is the average daily price for a vacation in the US Virgin Islands based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $85 on meals
- $35 on local transportation
- $261 on hotels
A one-week trip to the US Virgin Islands for two people costs, on average, $3,948. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is the US Virgin Islands expensive to visit?
The US Virgin Islands is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, the US Virgin Islands is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Trinidad and Tobago or the Bahamas.
In the US Virgin Islands, budget travelers spend $119 per person per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $282 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $602 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to the US Virgin Islands.
The US Virgin Islands caters to a wide range of budgets and travel styles, offering everything from budget-friendly sights to luxurious experiences. Affordable hotels are available for budget travelers, but there are also luxury hotels for those with deeper pockets, and plenty of mid-range hotels for couples and families.
It's easy to spend a lot in the US Virgin Islands, but there are also budget-friendly options, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
For more details, see Is the US Virgin Islands Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to the US Virgin Islands?
The average US Virgin Islands trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these US Virgin Islands travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to the US Virgin Islands cost?
the US Virgin Islands on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$57
|
$131
|
$255
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$14
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$35
|
$86
|
|
Food2
|
$36
|
$85
|
$173
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$25
|
$57
|
$111
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$6-17
|
$14-42
|
$33-98
|
Cruz Bay, St. John
Accommodation Budget in the US Virgin Islands
The range of hotel prices in the US Virgin Islands can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in the US Virgin Islands for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $261. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $131 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in the US Virgin Islands? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in the US Virgin Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $35 per person, per day, on local transportation in the US Virgin Islands. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in the US Virgin Islands is significantly more than public transportation.
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Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$35
When you have a car in one of the bigger cities, make sure to check with your hotel about their parking situation in advance. You might have to pay for parking at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. Sometimes, it's more economical to park your car a bit outside of town.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in the US Virgin Islands, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
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Taxi Ride
$5.00
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Scooter Rental
$65
Food Budget in the US Virgin Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in the US Virgin Islands can vary significantly, the average cost of food in the US Virgin Islands is $85 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$85
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in the US Virgin Islands is about $85 ($85) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $36 to $173 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in the US Virgin Islands are as follows:
- Breakfast: $15 to $25
- Lunch: $13 to $42
- Dinner: $30 to $68
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
You can find many excellent restaurants in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many of the best, fine dining restaurants are geared toward tourists and are often affiliated with hotels. There are some casual, more local options available as well. Seafood is the food of choice for many people, but you can also enjoy many different fruits and vegetables. Local cuisine is often made with either fish, goat, or pork. Many of the dishes are based on stews or soups and are heavily flavored with vegetables and herbs. You can generally find fresh, seasonal fruit at roadside stands. This can make for a nice and cheap lunch or breakfast. There are several culinary festivals throughout the year as well if you're interested in the cuisine of the area.
Fungi: This dumpling like dish is a popular food option throughout the area. It is generally made from salted cornmeal which has been mixed with a combination of water, shortening, and often okra. It's considered a side dish and is often served along side of fish or meat dishes during a meal.
Callaloo: Callaloo is a hearty soup or stew that is made with the leaves of the dasheen plant. Occasionally they use a different green leafy plant like taro leaves or spinach. The soup is seasoned with okra, salted meats, black pepper, fish, onions and various spices. It has been compared to the gumbo stews available in Louisiana.
Rice and Beans: This is a traditional and common meal that is served throughout the area. It's usually seasoned with herbs and spices to give it more flavor. If you are ever in a local's home or a local restaurant, you're sure to have some experience with this dish. It's sometimes referred to as rice and peas, but generally beans are the accompaniment.
If you're on a trip with children, keep an eye out for restaurants that have a childrens' menu. This can be a great money saver since those dishes are usually priced lower. Some restaurants may not include kids' options on their menus, so it's best to ask the waiter beforehand.
While a lot of hotels come with breakfast included in the price, others might charge extra. The quality and price can vary significantly between hotels. Understanding this beforehand can guide your decision on whether to splurge on the hotel buffet or seek a cheaper meal at a local bakery or café.
Bring a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great choice for the planet.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, make it a point to check which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, which can add to your total expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in the US Virgin Islands. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix for $81 details
- A Morning Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix for $90 details
- Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours for $155 details
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John for $120 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in the US Virgin Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in the US Virgin Islands typically cost an average of $57 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$57
A nice way to explore destinations in the US Virgin Islands is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- St Thomas Sea Turtle Snorkel Kayak Adventure Tour for $139 details
- Island Tours Your Way, Your Time! 2, 4 or 6hrs - St. Thomas USVI for $199 details
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St Thomas Airport Transportation to Crown Bay Marina for $110 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in the US Virgin Islands, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
Nightlife Budget in the US Virgin Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $28 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in the US Virgin Islands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$28
Sure, nightlife is a top travel activity, but if you want to save money, reducing how much you drink is a great way to start.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in the US Virgin Islands. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas for $148 details
- Farm to Bottle Tour at Prosperity Farm Distillery for $35 details
- Frederiksted Historical Tour with Rum Distillery for $115 details
Travel Costs Last Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Traveling in the US Virgin Islands
Saint John
The US Virgin Islands (USVI) are an unincorporated organized territory of the USA. They are located east of Puerto Rico and generally have a comfortable climate. They do have a rainy season between May and November, which also corresponds with hurricane season. The islands have rolling hills and rugged mountains throughout, so there is very little flat land. This makes from some dramatic and beautiful landscape. They're generally a fun and safe way to experience the Caribbean and are highly recommended for American and international travelers. It's a popular travel destination for many Americans during the winter months when the mild climate is a wonderful escape from the cold winter weather up north.
There are three main islands that make up the USVI. Saint Croix is the largest of the islands and is to the south of the rest of the region. Saint John is a beautiful vacation option with a more relaxed atmosphere. There are a handful of resorts, a small town, and Virgin Islands National Park on the island as well. The national park covers sixty percent of the island, so the area is peaceful, isolated, and generally quiet. Saint Thomas is where you will find the busy capital city of the region.
Most travelers arrive in the U.S. Virgin islands by either plane or cruise ship. There are airports on both Saint Croix and Saint Thomas. Once on the islands you can travel throughout by passenger ferry. Ferries also connect the USVI to the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during peak seasons.
Most people choose to explore the islands by rental car. Although this can be a somewhat expensive option, it really is the best way to get around and see everything that is available on the islands. There is limited public transportation at best so if you're hoping to make the best use of your vacation time and want to experience the island outside of your resort, a rental car is recommended.
At A Glance
- If you head to Saint Croix, you'll find the largest island in the area. It has many picturesque towns, rolling hills, and impressive rainforest. Some of the top sights on the island include Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. George Village Botanical Garden, and Christiansted Historic Site.
- Saint John is both the smallest, and arguably the most beautiful island of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Over half of its area is made up of the Virgin Islands National Park. You'll also find beautiful beaches, and impressive sights on the island, one of which is the U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument.
- Saint Thomas is the most populated island in the area. It is also home to Charlotte Amalie, which is the capital city. Some of the best sights include the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, Paradise Point, which looks out over the harbor, St. Thomas Synagogue, and Coral World.
- If you're interested in local art, you'll find plenty here. The most popular area to see and buy art is Christiansted, where you'll find plenty of nice galleries. You'll have a good selection and variety of art that is worth checking out, and if you're in the market for a nice piece you can likely get a good price.
- Many of the bars and pubs have happy hours. If you look around you'll find several places that offer dollar drinks during happy hour. The islands are also duty free, so you can pick up any number of souvenirs without the burden of taxes.
Related:
Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?
Top Tourist Attractions
Christiansted National Historic Site: This area is made up of five different preserved structures. Each structure is designed to represent the Danish economy and culture between the years of 1733 and 1917. It's a fascinating place to visit if you're interested in history and culture in the Caribbean.
Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve: This is where you will find the largest mango forests in the Virgin Islands. It also has many beautiful coral reefs and a submarine canyon.
Virgin Islands National Park: This is the largest national park in the USVI and it covers sixty percent of Saint John. It has over seven thousand acres and is both a historical and natural representation of the island.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations when it comes to your budget is crucial. A lot of people claim to be "budget" travelers. Many plan their trip thinking they can manage on just $119 a day like a shoestring backpacker. But the truth is, most aren't comfortable with roughing it on a trip. Reflect on what you truly enjoy and how you've traveled in the past. Are you a fan of resorts and comfortable hotels, or do you prefer the price range offered by hostels but with limited amenities? How important is dining in nice restaurants to you? And how do you like to get around? Your answers will greatly influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit the US Virgin Islands for around $119 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to the US Virgin Islands will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $282 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $602 per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include Saint John. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as West Indies Island Hopping 2027|2028 - offered by Emerald Cruises.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
