Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Colonia del Sacramento?
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 Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Saint Thomas?
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Colonia del Sacramento Prices
Uruguay PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $79Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $79, 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $33Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $66Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Colonia to Carmelo (or vice - versa): $290
- Wine Tour to Cerros de San Juan Winery + Lunch & Transfer: $225
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
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 Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- 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
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Colonia del Sacramento 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $31Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95
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.Colonia del Sacramento $23Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Barrio Sur Tour: Explore Colonia del Sacramento at Sunset: $35
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- Candombe in Colonia: an immersive experience with the local community: $75
- City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
- City tour by vehicle throughout the city and visit to the Plaza de Toros.: $80
- Colonia : Tour Barrio Sur UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide: $25
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $68
- City Tour Walking and Van Tour: $50
- Guided City Tour: $59
- Historical Walking Tour: $27
- Small Group City Tour: $60
- Top-Rated Shared Walking Tour: $22
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 dayColonia del Sacramento $5.64Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Colonia del Sacramento
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colonia del Sacramento:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting - Roots of Colonia del Sacramento: $28
- Colonia del Sacramento Private Walking Tour with Cheese and Wine Tasting: $97
- Private Guided Colonia Wine Tour: $190
- Indulge in a Scenic Wine Tour from Colonia to Carmelo : $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento is in South 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 Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Saint Thomas?
Colonia del Sacramento has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Saint Thomas?
Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Colonia del Sacramento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 in) 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 January and JulyColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomasin October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 in) 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 April and OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Colonia del Sacramento is generally much colder than Saint Thomasin January. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Saint Thomasin January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 in) 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 July and JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Colonia del Sacramento during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Colonia del Sacramento. In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomasin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomasin April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 in) 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 October and AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 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.