Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Gatlinburg?
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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Saint Thomas?
Gatlinburg
Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.
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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
-
Gatlinburg Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGatlinburg $253Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $253, 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 Gatlinburg and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGatlinburg $80Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGatlinburg $160Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg 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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gatlinburg $35Saint 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:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $203
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- 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 to Wyndham Margaritaville: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
Is it cheaper to fly into Gatlinburg or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Gatlinburg 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 dayGatlinburg $148Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
-
Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste the Smokies Appalachian Inspired Cooking Classes: $115
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:
- 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
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $145
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gatlinburg $24Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Photos$22
-
Horseback Riding (for 2)$55
Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
- 2 hour Extended Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg: $40
- 3-Hour Nantahala River Fully Guided Rafting Experience: $65
- 6-Line Zip at Night Tour: $72
- 7-Line Zipline Experience in Sevierville: $119
- Admission Ticket: Brian Hoffman's Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton: $38
- Admission Ticket: Patty Waszak Show in Pigeon Forge: $38
- Best of the Smokies Private Half-Day Tour with Picnic Lunch: $225
- Cades Cove Jeep Tour: $242
- Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Digital Ocean Adventure in Sevierville: $26
- Dolly's Backroads, Bush Beans & Dandridge, Foliage Photo Tour: $105
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- 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
- 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
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort : $130
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGatlinburg $15Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $85
When comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Saint Thomas?
Saint Thomas has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Saint Thomas?
Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGatlinburg 81°F (27°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the autumn, Gatlinburg is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Gatlinburg gets 213 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. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGatlinburg 63°F (17°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Saint Thomas. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), 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. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGatlinburg 40°F (5°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Gatlinburg or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Gatlinburg is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 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 Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGatlinburg 62°F (17°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Gatlinburg
| Gatlinburg | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 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 | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 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.