Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Miami?
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 Miami 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 Miami and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Miami or Saint Thomas?
Miami
Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.
Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.
Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.
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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Miami Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMiami $258Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $258, 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 Miami and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMiami $154Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMiami $308Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Miami and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Miami 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: Miami Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Miami $38Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- Transfer to West Palm Beach: $420
- From Roundtrip Bimini Ferry with Hotel Transfers: $289
- From Miami Airport - Private Transfer to Hotels and Homes: $265
- Private Miami Hotels Transfer to Airport : $265
- From Miami - Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Airport: $255
- Private Transfer in Miami area: $192
- Miami Airport Executive Transfer Service: $190
- Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
- Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
- MIA: Transfer to Miami Beach, Aventura, Coral Gables: $150
- Miami Jet Ski Experience with 1-Hour Rental & Pontoon Transfer: $150
- Miami Airport Transfer: $145
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: $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 Miami or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Miami 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 dayMiami $72Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- Historical Walking Food Tour in Calle 8 : $50
- Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Little Havana Ultimate Food Tour : $67
- The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $67
- Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
- South Beach Food Tour: $70
- A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $75
- Miami Mosaic Signature Food Tour: $75
- Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $91
- Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
- Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
- Ukrainian cooking class in Miami: $150
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.Miami $31Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Top Miami ATV Adventure : $15
- 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $42
- Bayside Marketplace Miami Full Day Shopping Experience : $100
- South Beach Top Highlights Tour with Lincoln Rd and Espanola Way: $49
- #1 Private Boat Tour and 1 Hour Free Jet Ski Rental in Miami: $349
- 1 Hour Lady Buggy Art Tour Experience in Wynwood: $160
- 1 hr Private Airboat Everglades Tour near Miami: $225
- 1-Hour 4-Seater UTV Tours: $300
- 1-Hour ATV Tours: $130
- 1-Hour Private Miami Photoshoot Experience: $92
- 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $65
- 2-Hours Private Miami Boat Tour With Champagne : $189
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 dayMiami $22Saint Thomas $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- Miami Florida Bar Crawl: $15
- #1 Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $19
- Guided Pub Crawl Miami and Club Entry Wynwood: $21
- Miami Bar Crawl: $29
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks Discounts and Club Entry: $29
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Miami Bachelorette Bar Crawl: $40
- Pedal Pub Art District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $41
- Ultimate South Beach Bar Crawl in Miami: $59
- Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
- Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
- Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100
When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Saint Thomas, we can see that Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Miami or Saint Thomas?
Miami has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami or Saint Thomas?
Miami 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 Miami or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Miami is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) 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 JulyMiami 83°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Miami or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Saint Thomas. The autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Miami is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Miami gets 275 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. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) 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 OctoberMiami 78°F (26°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Miami or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Saint Thomas. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In January, Miami is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Miami usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) 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 JanuaryMiami 67°F (20°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Miami or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Miami is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) 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 AprilMiami 75°F (24°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Miami
| Miami | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.