Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Orlando?
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 Orlando or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Orlando or Saint Thomas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Orlando or Saint Thomas?
Orlando
Orlando is a haven for tourists from the entire United States and abroad. The most famous sight in Orlando, Walt Disney World, is not actually located in the city at all, but in nearby Lake Buena Vista. The area attracts over 50 million visitors a year and the city's sprawling development has created amenities and entertainment options for tourists of all ages.
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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Orlando Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOrlando $368Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $368, 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 Orlando and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOrlando $154Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOrlando $308Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Orlando 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: Orlando Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Orlando $66Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:
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Parking$14
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Taxi Ride$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando
Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to The Villages: $295
- Private Transfer from Windermere to Port Canaveral: $295
- Private Transfer from Reunion to Port Canaveral: $295
- Private Transfer from The Villages to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $295
- Transfer: Lake Buena Vista Hotels To/From Orlando Airport: $295
- Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Port Canaveral: $289
- Private Transfer from Leesburg to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $284
- Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Lakeland: $284
- Private Transfer from Lakeland to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $282
- Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Leesburg: $282
- Private Transfer from Lake Mary to Port Canaveral: $280
- Private Transfer to Davenport: $275
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
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- 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 Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Orlando 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 dayOrlando $113Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Orlando
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:
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Lunch for Two at Epcot$29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando
For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $39
- Italian Buffet Dinner Cruise Aboard the Barbara Lee Paddlewheeler: $40
- Flavors of ICON Park Food Tour: $40
- St. Johns River Lunch and Dinner Cruises in Sanford, Florida: $43
- Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience: $75
- Immersive Pasta Making Cooking Class: $75
- Señor Frogs Lunch / Dinner Package: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef in Orlando: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Orlando: $75
- Pirates Adventure Dinner Show with Drinks: $80
- Medieval Times Dinner Show in Orlando: $80
- Speakeasy Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Orlando: $82
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.Orlando $204Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando
For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Universal Studios for Two$110
Tours and Activities in Orlando
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.
- 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando: $78
- 90 minute Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida : $89
- Magic After Dark Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Orlando: $85
- 1 Hour Florida Everglades Wildlife Tour: $65
- 1 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of The Famous Chain of Lakes: $27
- 1 Hour Scenic Pontoon Day Cruise: $48
- 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes: $42
- 2 Hour Investigative Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown Orlando: $53
- 2Park 1Day Park-to-Park + 1Day Universal Epic Ticket: $349
- 30 Days Self Guided Audio Tour: Discover Orlando Local Stories: $30
- 8-Hour Automatic Polaris Slingshot SL Adventure Rental: $300
- 90 Minute Airboat Tour in the Florida Everglades: $85
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 dayOrlando $30Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:
- Orlando Bar Crawl: Orlando's Magical Nightlife Bar Crawl: $15
- Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
- Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Caribbean Moonshine Distillery Tour and Tasting: $40
- Sanford’s Haunted Brewery Tour: $43
- Brews and Bites Brewery Walking Tour: $75
- 2-Hour Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery: $75
- Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $90
- Happy Hour Downtown Pub Crawl: $139
- Ghost Tour and Pub Crawl: $139
- Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Saint Thomas, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Saint Thomas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Orlando 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 Saint Thomas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Thomas 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Saint Thomas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Orlando Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Orlando or Saint Thomas?
Orlando has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando or Saint Thomas?
Orlando 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 Orlando or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Orlando is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 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 JulyOrlando 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Orlando or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the autumn, Orlando is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orlando in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 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 OctoberOrlando 75°F (24°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Orlando or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Orlando is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 59°F (15°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In January, Orlando usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 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 JanuaryOrlando 59°F (15°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Orlando or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Orlando is cooler than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 72°F (22°C) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Orlando usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Thomas. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 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 AprilOrlando 72°F (22°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Orlando
| Orlando | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 62°F (16°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 72°F (22°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 7.1 inches (181 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 6.7 inches (171 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 7.2 inches (183 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°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.