Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Jacksonville?
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 Jacksonville or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Saint Thomas. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Jacksonville or Saint Thomas?
Jacksonville
As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.
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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Jacksonville Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJacksonville $289Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $289, 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 Jacksonville and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJacksonville $92Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJacksonville $184Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jacksonville $53Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Downtown Savannah Hotels: $300
- Jacksonville Airport Limo Transfer to Hammock Beach Golf Resort: $275
- Car Transfer Jacksonville Airport to The Cloister at Sea Island: $199
- Jacksonville Airport to Casa Monica Resort and Spa Transfer: $189
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $168
- Jacksonville to Carnival Cruise Port Jacksonville - Departure Private Transfer: $159
- Luxury Car Transfer JAX Airport to Margaritaville Beach Hotel: $155
- Luxury Car Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Ponte Vedra Resorts: $145
- Jacksonville Airport Private Lux Car Transfer to Downtown Hotels: $139
- Private Transfer JAX Airport to Ritz Carlton Amelia Island: $135
- Private Transfer Jacksonville Airport to Carnival Cruise Port: $135
- Jacksonville Airport JAX to Jacksonville Arrival Private Transfer: $134
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 Jacksonville or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Jacksonville 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 dayJacksonville $166Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $20
- San Marco Food Tour Culinary Journey in Jacksonville: $125
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.Jacksonville $20Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $8.00
- 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $145
- All-Inclusive Progressive Culinary & History Experience: $125
- Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
- Amelia Island Floating Tiki Boat Cruise with BYOB Option: $75
- Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $65
- Architecture and History Tour in San Marco: $96
- Avondale Brunch Tour (Jacksonville): $135
- Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
- Bike Ride Through Ponte Vedra Beach Private Tour Florida: $27
- CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
- Daytona Beach: 3 Hour Coastal Discovery Boat Cruise: $150
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 dayJacksonville $20Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
- All-Inclusive Sips & Ships: Downtown Pub Crawl: $75
- Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135
When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Saint Thomas, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Saint Thomas?
Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Saint Thomas?
Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Saint Thomas. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) 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 JulyJacksonville 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In October, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJacksonville 70°F (21°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Jacksonville is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) 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 JanuaryJacksonville 53°F (12°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the spring, Jacksonville is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJacksonville 68°F (20°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Jacksonville
| Jacksonville | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.