Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Daytona Beach?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Daytona Beach or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Daytona 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: Daytona Beach or Saint Thomas?
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, Florida, located on the Atlantic coast, is a wildly popular tourist destination for people from all over the world due to great beaches, spring break fun, and NASCAR races. Tourists come to enjoy the warm Florida weather, the beautiful beaches, the activities, the boardwalk, the nightlife, and many other things the city has to offer. The beaches around Daytona are famous for their hard-packed sand, which makes them easy for cars to drive on. For this reason, Daytona has a history of automobile racing, and is home to dozens of races that take place throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Daytona 500. Naturally, Daytona is also home to NASCAR headquarters. But it's so much more than just a race destination, as it's also a fun and family-friendly destination that attractions a wide range of 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.
-
Daytona Beach Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDaytona Beach $269Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, 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 Daytona Beach and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDaytona Beach $84Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDaytona Beach $168Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Daytona 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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Daytona Beach $53Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$65
-
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 Daytona Beach or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Daytona 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
-
Food Meals for one dayDaytona Beach $138Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.
- Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Daytona Beach $28Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:
- St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
- 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
- 3 Hour Coastal Fun Cruise : $150
- 3 Hour Social Sip N Dip Party Cruise: $70
- Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
- Daytona Beach Champagne Sunset Cruise: $89
- Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
- Paddle Pub Experience: $45
- Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
- Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
- Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
- Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDaytona Beach $43Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:
- Karaoke Party Bus Dive Bar Crawl: $40
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50
When comparing the travel costs between Daytona Beach and Saint Thomas, we can see that Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Saint Thomas?
Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Daytona 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 Daytona Beach or Saint Thomas?
Daytona 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 Daytona Beach or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Saint Thomas. The summer months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the summer, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDaytona Beach 81°F (27°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Daytona Beach 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, Daytona Beach is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), 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 Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDaytona Beach 74°F (23°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Daytona Beach is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDaytona Beach 58°F (14°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Daytona Beach or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Daytona Beach is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDaytona Beach 69°F (21°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Daytona Beach
| Daytona Beach | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 58°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 65°F (18°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 69°F (21°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 80°F (26°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 66°F (19°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 60°F (16°C) | 2.6 inches (66 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.