Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Charlotte?
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 Charlotte or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Charlotte or Saint Thomas?
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Charlotte Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCharlotte $225Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $225, 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 Charlotte and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlotte $118Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlotte $236Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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: Charlotte Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlotte $33Saint Thomas $37
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:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Charlotte 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 dayCharlotte $80Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
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Pizza at Airport$4.03
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Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)$29
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.Charlotte $43Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Charlotte
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
- Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCharlotte $20Saint Thomas $27
When comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Charlotte is in North America and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Charlotte Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Saint Thomas?
Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Saint Thomas?
Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Charlotte is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Charlotte. In July, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 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 JulyCharlotte 81°F (27°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Charlotte during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In October, Charlotte is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the autumn, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Charlotte gets 223 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. Charlotte usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) 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 OctoberCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Saint Thomas. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Charlotte is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 42°F (6°C) in January, 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. Charlotte usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 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 JanuaryCharlotte 42°F (6°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the spring, Charlotte is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 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 Charlotte this time of the year. In the spring, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Charlotte usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) 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 AprilCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Charlotte
| Charlotte | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.