Which place is cheaper, Big Sur or Saint Thomas?
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 Saint Thomas or Big Sur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Big Sur? 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: Saint Thomas or Big Sur?
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.
Big Sur
Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.
However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.
While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Saint Thomas Prices
USVI PricesBig Sur Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Thomas $258Big Sur $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Thomas is $258, while the average daily cost in Big Sur is $0.00. 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 Saint Thomas and Big Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Thomas $131Big Sur $165
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Thomas $262Big Sur $330
Compare Hotels in Saint Thomas and Big Sur
Looking for a hotel in Saint Thomas or Big Sur? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Thomas $37Big Sur -
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 Saint Thomas or Big Sur?
Prices for flights to both Big Sur and Saint Thomas 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 daySaint Thomas $94Big Sur -
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.Saint Thomas $60Big Sur -
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 daySaint Thomas $27Big Sur -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Thomas and Big Sur, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands and Big Sur is in North America, 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 Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Thomas Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Saint Thomas or Big Sur?
Big Sur 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 Saint Thomas or Big Sur in the Summer?
Both Big Sur and Saint Thomas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 29°C (83°F), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In July, Saint Thomas usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Saint Thomas gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Thomas 29°C (83°F)Big Sur 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Big Sur in the Autumn?
Both Big Sur and Saint Thomas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
Saint Thomas is much warmer than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Thomas averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Saint Thomas gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Thomas 28°C (82°F)Big Sur 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Big Sur in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Thomas and Big Sur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Saint Thomas is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Thomas in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).
In January, Saint Thomas usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Saint Thomas gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Thomas 26°C (78°F)Big Sur 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Saint Thomas or Big Sur in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Thomas as well as Big Sur. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Saint Thomas is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Saint Thomas average around 27°C (80°F), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
Saint Thomas usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Saint Thomas gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Thomas 27°C (80°F)Big Sur 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Big Sur and Saint Thomas
| Saint Thomas | Big Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.1 inches (55 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.6 inches (14 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 51°F (10°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
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.