Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Memphis?
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 Memphis or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis 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: Memphis or Saint Thomas?
Memphis
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is a city famous for the blues, soul, and Rock 'n' Roll music that originated there. There are a number of museums and historic landmarks like Elvis Presley's Graceland dedicated to that history, while areas of the city like Beale Street keep the musical culture alive today with a vibrant scene of bars, restaurants, and live music.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Memphis Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMemphis $199Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $199, 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 Memphis and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMemphis $84Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMemphis $168Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Memphis 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: Memphis Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Memphis $59Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis
Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
- Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
- Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
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:
- 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 Memphis or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Memphis 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 dayMemphis $74Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Memphis
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:
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Baskin Robins (for 2)$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis
For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Memphis $45Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Memphis
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.
- 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $88
- A Self Guided Walking Tour of Brews, Blues and BBQ in Memphis: $15
- Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
- Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
- Downtown Memphis Pedal Party Ride and Axe Throwing Experience: $65
- Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $102
- From Elvis Presley Birthplace and Park Guided Tour: $215
- From Official Elvis Birthplace Tour of Tupelo: $102
- Guided Memphis City Tour that includes Riverboat Cruise: $85
- Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour: $30
- Historic Memphis Guided Walking Tour: Memphis Beyond Beale: $33
- Memphis 2-Hour Historic Walking Tour: Beyond Beale: $33
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMemphis $26Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:
- Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
- Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $31
- Guided Bar Crawl on a Pedal Bike: $40
- Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
- Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
- #1 Way To See Beale Street, Bar Crawl and Murals: $430
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Memphis and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Memphis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Memphis is in North America 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 Memphis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Memphis 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 Memphis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Memphis Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Memphis or Saint Thomas?
Memphis has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Memphis 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 Memphis or Saint Thomas?
Memphis 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 Memphis or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Memphis is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Memphis in July average around 83°F (29°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. Memphis usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Memphis gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Memphis usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 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 JulyMemphis 83°F (29°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Memphis or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Memphis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In October, Memphis is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Memphis average around 64°F (18°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Memphis. In the autumn, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Memphis gets 240 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. Memphis usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMemphis 64°F (18°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Memphis or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Saint Thomas. The winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Memphis can be very cold. Memphis is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, 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. Memphis usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Memphis gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Memphis usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 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 JanuaryMemphis 40°F (5°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Memphis or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Saint Thomas. The activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the spring, Memphis is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Memphis in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 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 Memphis this time of the year. In the spring, Memphis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Memphis gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Memphis usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMemphis 64°F (18°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Memphis
| Memphis | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 2.4 inches (62 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 64°F (18°C) | 4.3 inches (109 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 72°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 83°F (29°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 4.1 inches (105 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.