Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Pensacola?
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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola and Saint Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pensacola or Saint Thomas?
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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Pensacola Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPensacola $234Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $234, 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 Pensacola and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPensacola $115Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPensacola $230Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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: Pensacola Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pensacola $64Saint Thomas $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
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 Pensacola or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Pensacola 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 dayPensacola $84Saint Thomas $94
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
- Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50
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.Pensacola $13Saint Thomas $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
- 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
- 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
- Bay Cruise: $65
- Condor Sailing Fun, Relaxing Public Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise: $99
- Daily Dolphin Cruise + Sightseeing Tour on Pensacola Beach: $35
- Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49, Pensacola: $50
- Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $65
- Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $39
- Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $40
- Ghosts of Haunted Trolley Tour: $35
- Half Day Pontoon Boat Rental – Fun & Relaxing Water Adventure: $299
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 dayPensacola $44Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
- Walking Pub Tour : $21
- Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45
When comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Saint Thomas?
Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Saint Thomas?
Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In July, Pensacola is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 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 JulyPensacola 82°F (28°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Pensacola or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Pensacola is cooler than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPensacola 69°F (21°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pensacola or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the winter, Pensacola is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Saint Thomas. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 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 JanuaryPensacola 51°F (10°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Pensacola or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Pensacola is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPensacola 67°F (20°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Pensacola
| Pensacola | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.