A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hamburg vs. Saint Thomas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hamburg 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 Hamburg and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Hamburg or Saint Thomas?

Hamburg

Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.

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 from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Hamburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Hamburg Prices
    Germany Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hamburg $166
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Hamburg is $166, 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 Hamburg and Saint Thomas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hamburg $63
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hamburg $126
    Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Hamburg and Saint Thomas

Looking for a hotel in Hamburg 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.

Hotels in Hamburg


Hotels in Saint Thomas


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: Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hamburg $34
    Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    $1.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Private Transfer to Hamburg hotels: $291
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $291
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $287
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg City to Berlin City: $267
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $256
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg To Bremen With a 2 Hour Stop: $255
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Hamburg - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $250
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg to Hannover, English Speaking Driver: $231
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Port: $206
  • Hamburg hotels to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $204
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $204
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Port - Arrival Transfer: $204

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: $204
  • Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
  • Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
  • Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
  • Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
  • Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Hamburg or Saint Thomas?

Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Hamburg 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 day
    Hamburg $70
    Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    $18
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    $5.87
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    $7.04
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    $18
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    $4.69
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    $7.04
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    $4.11
  • Coffee and Donut
    $4.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St George's Culinary Food Tour: $52
  • Sternschanze kulinarisch: Die Food Tour: $52
  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $53
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $63
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $63
  • Hamburg Traditional Food Tour: Full Meal and Drinks: $90
  • Hamburg Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
  • Hamburg Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better : $130
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $200
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $529
  • The Wilhelmsburg Food Tour: $529

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.
    Hamburg $46
    Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    $4.11

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $88
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $20
  • 1-Day Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $25
  • 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $37
  • 11 Hamburg insider tips on your self-guided audio tour: $12
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $102
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $81
  • 2 Hours Hamburg Night Segway Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Hamburg Segway Tour: $81
  • 3 Hour Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $101
  • 3 Hours Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $93
  • 3 Hours Hamburg Segway Tour: $93

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 day
    Hamburg $20
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • The wildest Pub Crawl in Hamburg: $23
  • Original Hamburg Pub Crawl Sex & Crime St. Pauli Tour: $24
  • Original Hamburg Pub Crawl Sex & Crime St. Pauli Tour: $24
  • Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $29
  • Pub Crawl Hamburg - Ladies Night: $30
  • Pub Crawl - Drink & Dare: $30
  • Reeperbahn Pub Crawl with Shots and Games: $35
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl with Free Welcome Drinks and Club Entry: $36
  • Private Pub Crawl in Hamburg with The Crawl Co: $36
  • Reeperbahn pub crawl with insider-guide & shots: $317
  • Bachelor party Pub crawl & party for your bachelor party: $423


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hamburg and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hamburg 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 Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Hamburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hamburg Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Saint Thomas?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Saint Thomas?

Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Saint Thomas in the Summer?

Both Saint Thomas and Hamburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.

In the summer, Hamburg is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hamburg in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).

In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hamburg. In the summer, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F) 
    Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Saint Thomas. The autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Hamburg is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F) 
    Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Saint Thomas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Saint Thomas. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. Hamburg is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the winter, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F) 
    Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Saint Thomas in the Spring?

Both Saint Thomas and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Hamburg is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hamburg in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F) 
    Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Hamburg

Hamburg Saint Thomas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)