Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Roanoke?
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 Roanoke or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Roanoke 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: Roanoke or Saint Thomas?
Roanoke
Roanoke is a charming city located in the western region of the U.S. state of Virginia. Sometimes called the "Star City of the South" or the "Magic City," Roanoke lies in the scenic Roanoke Valley with Mill Mountain as a local icon, topped with a lighted 100-foot star. The city itself is home to many museums and opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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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Roanoke Prices
USA PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRoanoke $199Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Roanoke 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 Roanoke and Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRoanoke $96Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRoanoke $192Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Roanoke and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Roanoke 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: Roanoke Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Roanoke $23Saint Thomas $37
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 Roanoke or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas and Roanoke 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 dayRoanoke $83Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roanoke
For Roanoke, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $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.Roanoke $35Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Roanoke
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Roanoke.
- 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke: $109
- Blue Ridge Mountain E Bike Tour: $155
- Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $24
- Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
- Downtown Roanoke Food, History & Cultural Tour: $80
- E-Bike Mural Tour of Roanoke: $88
- Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star: $139
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 dayRoanoke $30Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Roanoke and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Roanoke much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Roanoke 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 Roanoke would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roanoke 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 Roanoke.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Roanoke Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Saint Thomas?
Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Saint Thomas?
Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking 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, Roanoke is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Roanoke in July average around 79°F (26°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 Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during summer. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Roanoke. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 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 JulyRoanoke 79°F (26°C)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Roanoke or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Roanoke during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In October, Roanoke is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 60°F (16°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 Roanoke. In the autumn, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Roanoke gets 210 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. Roanoke usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 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 OctoberRoanoke 60°F (16°C)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Roanoke or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Saint Thomas. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Roanoke. Roanoke is much colder than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 38°F (3°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. Roanoke usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 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 JanuaryRoanoke 38°F (3°C)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Roanoke or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In the spring, Roanoke is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Roanoke in April average around 59°F (15°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 Roanoke this time of the year. In the spring, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Roanoke usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 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 AprilRoanoke 59°F (15°C)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Roanoke
| Roanoke | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 38°F (3°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 41°F (5°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 50°F (10°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (88 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 60°F (16°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 51°F (11°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 42°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.