Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Istanbul?
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 Istanbul or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Saint Thomas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Saint Thomas?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $179Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $179, 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 Istanbul and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $83Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $166Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $39Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Private Cultural Tours, Hotel Transfers Including: $299
- Miniatürk Istanbul Private Guided Tour & Optional Transfers: $249
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $246
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $232
- Private Transfer from Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul Airport (IST) : $191
- Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $190
- Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Cruise Layovers. Transfers incl.: $180
- Istanbul Private Tour Designed for Layover Flight, Transfer incl.: $175
- Istanbul to Truva Troy Guided Day Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $172
- Istanbul NEW Airport Private Transfer: $165
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-6pax): $162
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:
- 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 Istanbul or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $66Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $24
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Shows and Party : $30
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $31
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
- Dinner Cruise On The Bosphorus with Turkish night show: $34
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Entertaintment & Private Table & Wi-Fi: $36
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $36
- Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Shows Private Table & Free Wi-Fi: $36
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Drinks and Shows: $41
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $42
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.Istanbul $43Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $180
- Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
- Bosphorus Morning or Sunset Guided Cruise Tour: $26
- Digital Experience Museum Skip the Line Entry: $35
- Discover the Magic of Old City – A Walking Tour Through Time: $60
- Full day old city tour (LT1): $179
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $95
- Istanbul Self Guided Walking Tour : $5.00
- Istanbul Wonders FullDay Skipping Lines Private Guided City Tour: $128
- Istanbul's Hidden Gems Private Walking City Tour: $144
- Private Guided Istanbul Walking Tour: $170
- "Classic Wonders" Tour: $120
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $12Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Nightlife Pub Crawl Pub and İstanbul Club Adventure: $30
- Pub Crawl Istanbul / Rooftop Clubs & Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Adults-Only Nightlife Adventure: $31
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Saint Thomas?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 560 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Saint Thomas?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Istanbul is cooler than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Saint Thomas. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Saint Thomas. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Istanbul is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.