Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Bergen?
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 Bergen or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bergen 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: Bergen or Saint Thomas?
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
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Bergen Prices
Norway PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBergen $144Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Bergen is $144, 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 Bergen and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBergen $74Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBergen $148Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Bergen 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: Bergen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bergen $11Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- Helicopter transfer Bergen - Rosendal: $4,438
- Powerboat transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
- Helicopter transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
- From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $494
- From Private Transfer to Voss: $403
- TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $257
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $200
- TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $196
- Private Transfer - Hotels & Cruise Ports - Airport 1-14 pax: $175
- Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $171
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $161
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $156
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 Bergen or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Bergen 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 dayBergen $58Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
- Bergen Food Tour: $174
- Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
- Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262
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.Bergen $18Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- 1 hour Tour for Herdla Walking: $103
- 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
- 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $145
- 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $167
- Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
- Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $225
- Bergen Floibanen Funicular Ticket: $31
- Bergen Magical Nature Tour | ViFlowExperience: $243
- Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Local Guide: $86
- Bergen Private Walking Tour: $325
- Bergen Private Walking Tour of Historic Sites: $256
- Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51
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 dayBergen $7.56Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bergen and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen is in Europe 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 Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Bergen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bergen Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bergen or Saint Thomas?
Bergen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Bergen 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 Bergen or Saint Thomas?
Bergen 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 Bergen or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Saint Thomas. The summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the summer, Bergen is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bergen in July average around 15°C (58°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bergen usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 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 JulyBergen 15°C (58°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Bergen is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Bergen. In October, Bergen usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBergen 9°C (48°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Bergen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. Bergen is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 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 JanuaryBergen 2°C (35°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Bergen is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bergen in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bergen usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBergen 6°C (43°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Bergen
| Bergen | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 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.